00                      CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 543(RLS)                                                                    
01 "An Act relating to medical assistance coverage for prescription drugs; and providing                                   
02 for an effective date."                                                                                                 
03 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
04    * Section 1.  AS 47.07 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                 
05            Sec. 47.07.037.  Preferred drug list; limitation of drug coverage.  (a)  If the                            
06       department undertakes a cost containment measure under this chapter that involves a                               
07       preferred drug list or limitation of medical assistance coverage for a drug, the                                  
08       department shall pay for a brand name drug when a prescriber indicates on the                                     
09       prescription that the drug is "medically necessary."                                                              
10            (b)  In this section, "drug" means a prescription drug that is eligible under                                
11       federal law for coverage under this chapter.                                                                      
12    * Sec. 2.  This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).