MEDICAID-DRUGS-DISPENSING FEE

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code. Provides that the Medicaid reimbursement rate for pharmacies shall include (i) a professional dispensing fee of $5 for each generic prescription drug dispensed and $4 for each brand name prescription drug dispensed (instead of a fee determined by the Department of Public Aid) and (ii) the average wholesale price (instead of current acquisition cost) of the prescription drug dispensed, minus 10%. Provides that the dispensing fee does not include any reasonable reimbursement to a health care provider for professional services (other then dispensing a prescription drug) that he or she provides. Requires the Department to update its information on the average wholesale prices (instead of the acquisition costs) of all prescription drugs at least every 30 days. Effective immediately.