AB844: Bill Text

LRB-3862/1

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2003 - 2004 LEGISLATURE

2003 Assembly BILL 844

February 16, 2004 - Introduced by Representatives Johnsrud, Huebsch, Hahn, Hines, McCormick, Gronemus, Plouff, Suder and Albers, cosponsored by Senators M. Meyer and Schultz. Referred to Committee on Health.

AB844,1,3 An Act to amend 49.685 (6) (b) and 49.687 (1m) (b) of the statutes; relating to: waiver of a requirement under hemophilia treatment program to apply for other coverage.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) provides reimbursement to persons with hemophilia for part of the cost of blood products and supplies for the treatment of hemophilia. DHFS will not reimburse any portion of the costs of blood products and supplies that are payable under any other health care coverage program, grant, or contractual arrangement. DHFS is required to specify, by rule, other health care coverage programs for which a person must apply before applying for benefits under the hemophilia treatment program.

This bill provides that DHFS may, for religious reasons, grant an applicant a waiver from the requirement that the applicant must apply for coverage under other health care coverage programs before applying for benefits under the hemophilia treatment program. The bill also clarifies that DHFS will not reimburse a person for any portion of the costs of blood products and supplies that are payable under any other health care coverage program under which the person actually has coverage.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB844, s. 1 Section 1. 49.685 (6) (b) of the statutes, as affected by 2003 Wisconsin Act 33, is amended to read:

AB844,2,10 49.685 (6) (b) Reimbursement shall not be made under this section for any blood products or supplies that are not purchased from or provided by a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center, or a source approved by the treatment center. Reimbursement shall not be made under this section for any portion of the costs of blood products or supplies that are payable under any other state, federal, or other health care coverage program under which the person is covered, including a health care coverage program specified by rule under s. 49.687 (1m), or under any grant, contract, or other contractual arrangement.

AB844, s. 2 Section 2. 49.687 (1m) (b) of the statutes, as created by 2003 Wisconsin Act 33, is amended to read:

AB844,2,16 49.687 (1m) (b) The department shall promulgate rules that specify other health care coverage programs for which a person must apply before applying for benefits under s. 49.685. The department may waive the requirement under this paragraph for an applicant who requests a waiver for religious reasons.

AB844,2,17 (End)