New Jersey § 30:4d-25

§ 30:4d-25.

The Legislature hereby finds and declares: That the “Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged” program originally provided for the

reimbursement of 80% of the prescription drug costs of low-income senior citizens

who had met an income-related deductible drug expense; That this program, designed to ease the burden of spiraling drug costs for senior

citizens of modest incomes, was later modified to facilitate and simplify access to

the program by requiring eligible senior citizens to pay $1.00 for each prescription

drug at the time of purchase, with the State reimbursing the remainder of the cost

directly to the pharmacist; That the overwhelming success of the program, which currently boasts an enrollment

of over 270,000 senior citizens, has resulted in costs far greater than those anticipated; That although the Legislature is desirous of continuing the program as it currently

exists, it recognizes that fiscal constraints and a heightened public awareness of

the taxpayer's burden in this State makes it necessary to increase the share now paid

by eligible senior citizens and reduce anticipated increases in the State contributions

to the program in the future; and that therefore A long-term legislative solution is now necessary which establishes this excellent

and salutary program on a sound fiscal basis at a level within the means of the Treasury,

thereby enabling it to continue without further substantial modification.