HBA-CCH H.B. 734 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 734 By: Chavez Public Health 2/11/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many senior citizens are prescribed multiple medications, but financial constraints can force senior citizens to choose between prescription drugs and other essential items. House Bill 734 prohibits the Health and Human Services Commission from limiting prescription drug coverage for elderly Medicaid recipients to fewer than four drug prescriptions each month. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 734 amends the Government and Human Resources codes to prohibit the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from limiting Medicaid recipients who are at least 65 years of age to fewer than four prescription medications each month. The bill requires HHSC to provide a complete analysis of the medical effect of the denial of Medicaid coverage for more than four medications on Medicaid recipients who are at least 65 years of age. EFFECTIVE DATE September 1, 2001.