{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/32.1-23.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/32.1-23.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/32.1-23.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/32.1-23.1.html"}],"law_id":65783,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65783,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.1","catch_line":"Alternative delivery of certain information; Commissioners to develop single application form for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards; certain analysis of access to The Pharmacy Connection program","history":"2003, cc. 661, 674; 2004, cc. 73, 318; 2005, c. 715; 2012, cc. 803, 835.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner shall create links from the Virginia Department of Health’s website to the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website and its affiliated sites pertaining to pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. The Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Health by ensuring that such information is available on the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website.B\n\nThe Commissioner shall ensure that all clinical sites administered by local health departments are provided with adequate information concerning the services of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, including, but not limited to, its toll-free telephone number and its website information on pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.C\n\nThe Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall coordinate the dissemination of information to the public regarding any pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs while maintaining a neutral posture regarding such programs.\n\t\t\tIn addition, with such funds as may be made available, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall disseminate information to the public concerning recent congressional actions relating to pharmaceutical benefits to be provided under the Medicare program and how such benefits may help senior citizens with the costs of pharmaceutical benefits.D\n\nThe Commissioner shall establish a toll-free telephone number, to be administered by the Virginia Department of Health, which shall provide recorded information concerning services available from the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and other appropriate organizations for senior citizens.E\n\nThe Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall develop a strategy, in coordination with the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging and other private and nonprofit organizations, for disseminating information to the public concerning the availability of pharmaceutical assistance programs and for training senior citizen volunteers to assist in completing applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.F\n\nIn addition to the responsibilities set forth in subsections A through E, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to include application forms for pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs on their respective websites in a format capable of being downloaded and printed by consumers. When practicable, the website maintained by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall include direct links to such forms. Further, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 30, 2004, on the feasibility of developing a single application form for Virginians to use to seek eligibility for the nearly 50 pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.\n\t\t\tIn determining feasibility, the Commissioners shall obtain copies of the application forms used by such pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards in Virginia, compile a list of the various information required to complete such application forms, identify common elements, and analyze the forms for readability and simplicity. Upon completion of this analysis, the Commissioners shall assess the feasibility of designing a single, concise application form that is logically formatted, written in clear and easily comprehensible language, and covers any and all data that may be required to obtain eligibility for any such pharmaceutical assistance program or pharmaceutical discount purchasing card.G\n\nIn order to maximize the benefits of the new Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program for Virginia’s senior citizens, the Commissioner of Health shall annually for two years commencing on July 1, 2005, (i) analyze access to The Pharmacy Connection program vis-a-vis the Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program, the $600 transitional coverage provided under federal law, and pharmaceutical companies’ offers of “wrap-around” coverage for low-income seniors; and (ii) recommend, to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Governor, appropriate localities for expansion of access to The Pharmacy Connection program in Virginia, particularly in areas having high concentrations of low-income seniors. The goal of the Commissioner’s analysis shall be to facilitate statewide implementation of The Pharmacy Connection program. The Commissioner shall complete this analysis by October 31 of each year and shall immediately request an estimate of the costs of the recommended expansion of such access from the Virginia Health Care Foundation to be forwarded to the Secretary and the Governor, for inclusion in the appropriation act, in so far as possible and appropriate to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s senior citizens.H\n\nTo assist them in completing the responsibilities set forth in subsections E, F, and G, the Commissioners may appoint an advisory task force of stakeholders.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":239094,"text":"The Commissioner shall create links from the Virginia Department of Health’s website to the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website and its affiliated sites pertaining to pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. The Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall cooperate with the Commissioner of Health by ensuring that such information is available on the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":239095,"text":"The Commissioner shall ensure that all clinical sites administered by local health departments are provided with adequate information concerning the services of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, including, but not limited to, its toll-free telephone number and its website information on pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":239096,"text":"The Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall coordinate the dissemination of information to the public regarding any pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs while maintaining a neutral posture regarding such programs.\n\t\t\tIn addition, with such funds as may be made available, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall disseminate information to the public concerning recent congressional actions relating to pharmaceutical benefits to be provided under the Medicare program and how such benefits may help senior citizens with the costs of pharmaceutical benefits.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":239097,"text":"The Commissioner shall establish a toll-free telephone number, to be administered by the Virginia Department of Health, which shall provide recorded information concerning services available from the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and other appropriate organizations for senior citizens.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":239098,"text":"The Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall develop a strategy, in coordination with the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging and other private and nonprofit organizations, for disseminating information to the public concerning the availability of pharmaceutical assistance programs and for training senior citizen volunteers to assist in completing applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":239099,"text":"In addition to the responsibilities set forth in subsections A through E, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to include application forms for pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs on their respective websites in a format capable of being downloaded and printed by consumers. When practicable, the website maintained by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall include direct links to such forms. Further, the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 30, 2004, on the feasibility of developing a single application form for Virginians to use to seek eligibility for the nearly 50 pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.\n\t\t\tIn determining feasibility, the Commissioners shall obtain copies of the application forms used by such pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards in Virginia, compile a list of the various information required to complete such application forms, identify common elements, and analyze the forms for readability and simplicity. Upon completion of this analysis, the Commissioners shall assess the feasibility of designing a single, concise application form that is logically formatted, written in clear and easily comprehensible language, and covers any and all data that may be required to obtain eligibility for any such pharmaceutical assistance program or pharmaceutical discount purchasing card.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":239100,"text":"In order to maximize the benefits of the new Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program for Virginia’s senior citizens, the Commissioner of Health shall annually for two years commencing on July 1, 2005, (i) analyze access to The Pharmacy Connection program vis-a-vis the Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program, the $600 transitional coverage provided under federal law, and pharmaceutical companies’ offers of “wrap-around” coverage for low-income seniors; and (ii) recommend, to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Governor, appropriate localities for expansion of access to The Pharmacy Connection program in Virginia, particularly in areas having high concentrations of low-income seniors. The goal of the Commissioner’s analysis shall be to facilitate statewide implementation of The Pharmacy Connection program. The Commissioner shall complete this analysis by October 31 of each year and shall immediately request an estimate of the costs of the recommended expansion of such access from the Virginia Health Care Foundation to be forwarded to the Secretary and the Governor, for inclusion in the appropriation act, in so far as possible and appropriate to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s senior citizens.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"7":{"id":239101,"text":"To assist them in completing the responsibilities set forth in subsections E, F, and G, the Commissioners may appoint an advisory task force of stakeholders.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15850,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department of Health and State Health Commissioner","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13065,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:00:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:00:30","permalink":{"id":201211,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15850,"identifier":"3","token":"32.1\/1\/3","url":"\/32.1\/1\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13065,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration Generally","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12727,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","permalink":{"id":201101,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13065,"identifier":"1","token":"32.1\/1","url":"\/32.1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12727,"edition_id":1,"name":"Health","identifier":"32.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":201099,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12727,"identifier":"32.1","token":"32.1","url":"\/32.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":64412,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-16","catch_line":"State Department of Health","url":"\/32.1-16\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-16","metadata":false},{"id":62873,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-17","catch_line":"Appointment of Commissioner; qualifications; term","url":"\/32.1-17\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-17","metadata":false},{"id":67750,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-18","catch_line":"Executive officer of Board","url":"\/32.1-18\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-18","metadata":false},{"id":64142,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-19","catch_line":"Duties prescribed by Board","url":"\/32.1-19\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-19","metadata":false},{"id":78968,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-19.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/32.1-19.1\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-19.1","metadata":false},{"id":73609,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-20","catch_line":"Vested with authority of Board","url":"\/32.1-20\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-20","metadata":false},{"id":61282,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-21","catch_line":"Salary; teaching activities","url":"\/32.1-21\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-21","metadata":false},{"id":72937,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-22","catch_line":"Personnel; Deputy Commissioner","url":"\/32.1-22\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-22","metadata":false},{"id":61192,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23","catch_line":"Publication of information","url":"\/32.1-23\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23","metadata":false},{"id":66315,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.01","catch_line":"Information about and resources on palliative care","url":"\/32.1-23.01\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.01","metadata":false},{"id":65783,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.1","catch_line":"Alternative delivery of certain information; Commissioners to develop single application form for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards; certain analysis of access to The Pharmacy Connection program","url":"\/32.1-23.1\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.1","metadata":false},{"id":87156,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.2","catch_line":"Sexual assault nurse examiner information","url":"\/32.1-23.2\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.2","metadata":false},{"id":74855,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.3","catch_line":"Eligible Health Care Provider Reserve Directory","url":"\/32.1-23.3\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.3","metadata":false},{"id":72225,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.4","catch_line":"Prescription drug price transparency; civil penalty","url":"\/32.1-23.4\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.4","metadata":false},{"id":67922,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.5","catch_line":"Reporting of certain data regarding financial assistance","url":"\/32.1-23.5\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.5","metadata":false},{"id":84232,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.6","catch_line":"Information and data related to social determinants of health","url":"\/32.1-23.6\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.6","metadata":false},{"id":75908,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.7","catch_line":"Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children","url":"\/32.1-23.7\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.7","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":66315,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.01","catch_line":"Information about and resources on palliative care","url":"\/32.1-23.01\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.01","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":87156,"structure_id":15850,"section_number":"32.1-23.2","catch_line":"Sexual assault nurse examiner information","url":"\/32.1-23.2\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.2","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-23.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2003. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 661<\/a> and 674<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2004, chapters 73<\/a> and 318<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 715<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":201253,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65783,"identifier":"32.1-23.1","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.1","url":"\/32.1-23.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-23.1\/","token":"32.1\/1\/3\/32.1-23.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Alternative delivery of certain information; Commissioners to develop single application form for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards; certain analysis of access to The Pharmacy Connection program","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-23.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> shall create links from the Virginia Department<\/span> of Health’s website to the Virginia Department<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website and its affiliated sites pertaining to pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. The Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall cooperate with the Commissioner<\/span> of Health by ensuring that such information is available on the Department<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> shall ensure that all clinical sites administered by local health departments<\/span> are provided with adequate information concerning the services of the Virginia Department<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, including, but not limited to, its toll-free telephone number and its website information on pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> of Health and the Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall coordinate the dissemination of information to the public regarding any pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs while maintaining a neutral posture regarding such programs.\n\t\t\tIn addition, with such funds as may be made available, the Commissioner<\/span> of Health and the Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall disseminate information to the public concerning recent congressional actions relating to pharmaceutical benefits to be provided under the Medicare program and how such benefits may help senior citizens with the costs of pharmaceutical benefits. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> shall establish a toll-free telephone number, to be administered by the Virginia Department<\/span> of Health, which shall provide recorded information concerning services available from the Department<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and other appropriate organizations for senior citizens. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> of Health and the Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall develop a strategy, in coordination with the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging and other private and nonprofit organizations, for disseminating information to the public concerning the availability of pharmaceutical assistance programs and for training senior citizen volunteers to assist in completing applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> In addition to the responsibilities set forth in subsections A through E, the Commissioner<\/span> of Health and the Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to include application forms for pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs on their respective websites in a format capable of being downloaded and printed by consumers. When practicable, the website maintained by the Department<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall include direct links to such forms. Further, the Commissioner<\/span> of Health and the Commissioner<\/span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 30, 2004, on the feasibility of developing a single application form for Virginians to use to seek eligibility for the nearly 50 pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.\n\t\t\tIn determining feasibility, the Commissioners<\/span> shall obtain copies of the application forms used by such pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards in Virginia, compile a list of the various information required to complete such application forms, identify common elements, and analyze the forms for readability and simplicity. Upon completion of this analysis, the Commissioners<\/span> shall assess the feasibility of designing a single, concise application form that is logically formatted, written in clear and easily comprehensible language, and covers any and all data that may be required to obtain eligibility for any such pharmaceutical assistance program or pharmaceutical discount purchasing card. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> In order<\/span> to maximize the benefits of the new Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program for Virginia’s senior citizens, the Commissioner<\/span> of Health shall annually for two years commencing on July 1, 2005, (i) analyze access to The Pharmacy Connection program vis-a-vis the Medicare pharmaceutical discount card program, the $600 transitional coverage provided under federal law<\/span>, and pharmaceutical companies’ offers of “wrap-around” coverage for low-income seniors; and (ii) recommend, to the Virginia Health Care Foundation, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Governor, appropriate localities for expansion of access to The Pharmacy Connection program in Virginia, particularly in areas having high concentrations of low-income seniors. The goal of the Commissioner<\/span>’s analysis shall be to facilitate statewide implementation of The Pharmacy Connection program. The Commissioner<\/span> shall complete this analysis by October 31 of each year and shall immediately request an estimate of the costs of the recommended expansion of such access from the Virginia Health Care Foundation to be forwarded to the Secretary and the Governor, for inclusion in the appropriation act, in so far as possible and appropriate to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s senior citizens. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> To assist them in completing the responsibilities set forth in subsections E, F, and G, the Commissioners<\/span> may appoint an advisory task force of stakeholders. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nALTERNATIVE DELIVERY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION; COMMISSIONERS TO DEVELOP SINGLE\nAPPLICATION FORM FOR PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND PHARMACEUTICAL\nDISCOUNT PURCHASING CARDS; CERTAIN ANALYSIS OF ACCESS TO THE PHARMACY CONNECTION\nPROGRAM (\u00a7 32.1-23.1)\n\nA. The Commissioner shall create links from the Virginia Department of\nHealth’s website to the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative\nServices’ website and its affiliated sites pertaining to pharmaceutical\nassistance programs and pharmaceutical discount purchasing cards. The\nCommissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall cooperate with the\nCommissioner of Health by ensuring that such information is available on the\nDepartment for Aging and Rehabilitative Services’ website.\n\nB. The Commissioner shall ensure that all clinical sites administered by local\nhealth departments are provided with adequate information concerning the\nservices of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services,\nincluding, but not limited to, its toll-free telephone number and its website\ninformation on pharmaceutical assistance programs and pharmaceutical discount\npurchasing cards.\n\nC. The Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative\nServices shall coordinate the dissemination of information to the public\nregarding any pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs while maintaining\na neutral posture regarding such programs.\n\t\t\tIn addition, with such funds as may be made available, the Commissioner of\nHealth and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall\ndisseminate information to the public concerning recent congressional actions\nrelating to pharmaceutical benefits to be provided under the Medicare program\nand how such benefits may help senior citizens with the costs of pharmaceutical\nbenefits.\n\nD. The Commissioner shall establish a toll-free telephone number, to be\nadministered by the Virginia Department of Health, which shall provide recorded\ninformation concerning services available from the Department for Aging and\nRehabilitative Services, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and\nother appropriate organizations for senior citizens.\n\nE. The Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative\nServices shall develop a strategy, in coordination with the Virginia Association\nof Area Agencies on Aging and other private and nonprofit organizations, for\ndisseminating information to the public concerning the availability of\npharmaceutical assistance programs and for training senior citizen volunteers to\nassist in completing applications for pharmaceutical assistance programs and\npharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.\n\nF. In addition to the responsibilities set forth in subsections A through E, the\nCommissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative\nServices shall encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to include application\nforms for pharmaceutical discount purchasing card programs on their respective\nwebsites in a format capable of being downloaded and printed by consumers. When\npracticable, the website maintained by the Department for Aging and\nRehabilitative Services shall include direct links to such forms. Further, the\nCommissioner of Health and the Commissioner for Aging and Rehabilitative\nServices shall report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 30, 2004,\non the feasibility of developing a single application form for Virginians to use\nto seek eligibility for the nearly 50 pharmaceutical assistance programs and\npharmaceutical discount purchasing cards.\n\t\t\tIn determining feasibility, the Commissioners shall obtain copies of the\napplication forms used by such pharmaceutical assistance programs and\npharmaceutical discount purchasing cards in Virginia, compile a list of the\nvarious information required to complete such application forms, identify common\nelements, and analyze the forms for readability and simplicity. Upon completion\nof this analysis, the Commissioners shall assess the feasibility of designing a\nsingle, concise application form that is logically formatted, written in clear\nand easily comprehensible language, and covers any and all data that may be\nrequired to obtain eligibility for any such pharmaceutical assistance program or\npharmaceutical discount purchasing card.\n\nG. In order to maximize the benefits of the new Medicare pharmaceutical discount\ncard program for Virginia’s senior citizens, the Commissioner of Health\nshall annually for two years commencing on July 1, 2005, (i) analyze access to\nThe Pharmacy Connection program vis-a-vis the Medicare pharmaceutical discount\ncard program, the $600 transitional coverage provided under federal law, and\npharmaceutical companies’ offers of “wrap-around” coverage for\nlow-income seniors; and (ii) recommend, to the Virginia Health Care Foundation,\nthe Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Governor, appropriate\nlocalities for expansion of access to The Pharmacy Connection program in\nVirginia, particularly in areas having high concentrations of low-income\nseniors. The goal of the Commissioner’s analysis shall be to facilitate\nstatewide implementation of The Pharmacy Connection program. The Commissioner\nshall complete this analysis by October 31 of each year and shall immediately\nrequest an estimate of the costs of the recommended expansion of such access\nfrom the Virginia Health Care Foundation to be forwarded to the Secretary and\nthe Governor, for inclusion in the appropriation act, in so far as possible and\nappropriate to promote the health and safety of Virginia’s senior\ncitizens.\n\nH. To assist them in completing the responsibilities set forth in subsections E,\nF, and G, the Commissioners may appoint an advisory task force of stakeholders.\n\nHISTORY: 2003, cc. 661, 674; 2004, cc. 73, 318; 2005, c. 715; 2012, cc. 803,\n835.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}