Synopsis:

Signed: S.B. 228 was signed into law on July 17, 2018 by Gov. John Carney.

Signed: S.B. 228 was signed into law on July 17, 2018 by Gov. John Carney.

This legislation restores the Delaware Drug Payment Assistance Program (DPAP), the Department of Health and Social Services program that has helped people with disabilities and senior citizens afford their medication since 2000. It was cut from the fiscal year 2018 budget as lawmakers struggled to offset a $350 million shortfall from the previous year. DPAP, which cost the state $1.7 million in 2017, will provide as much as $3,000 annually for people who fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline ($24,280 in 2018) or whose prescription costs exceed 40 percent of their annual income. To be eligible, an individual must qualify either for Medicare Part D or federal Old Age, Survivors, Disability Insurance Benefits. In the past several years, DPAP enrollment dwindled as federal programs began offering more generous drug payment assistance. However, when it was cut, DPAP still counted several thousand enrollees who were not eligible for any other assistance.

Supporters:

Sens. McBride (D), Poore (D), Marshall (D), Bushweller (D), Ennis (D), Hansen (D), Henry (D), McDowell (D), Pettyjohn (R), Sokola (D), Townsend (D), Walsh (D), Lavelle (R), Richardson (R), Lopez (R), Simpson (R); Reps. Schwartzkopf (D), Heffernan (D), Osienski (D), Kowalko (D), Baumbach (D), Bentz (D), Brady (D), Briggs King (R), Jaques (D), Keeley (D), Matthews (D), Paradee (D), Ramone (R), Williams (D), Bennett (D), Collins (R), Kenton (R), Mitchell (D).

Opponents:

None reported.

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