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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 550 (97th)

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1981

referredUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

5 January 1981

Last action

Status

Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.

Sponsors

Subjects

Discovery layer

Source updated

3 June 2026

Summary

Drug Benefits for the Aged Act of 1981 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Drug Benefit Program for the Aged to pay for prescription drugs from participating pharmacies. Directs the Secretary to establish a Drug Benefits List of prescription and nonlegend qualified drugs, limited to specified pharmacological therapeutic categories which the Secretary deems appropriate for the treatment of conditions, illnesses, or injuries to the person or well-being of aged individuals. Specifies conditions under which participating pharmacies may substitute lower cost, therapeutic equivalents for prescribed drugs. Establishes a Drug Benefits Council to advise the Secretary on policy in general and the content and format of the drug benefits list in particular. Sets forth formulae and procedures for the reimbursement of participating pharmacies. Sets conditions for the participation of such pharmacies in the program. Specifies general administrative procedures. Prescribes criminal penalties for fraud. Authorizes appropriations.

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1 official file

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