To increase the availability of discounted prescription drugs.

SA 958. Mr. KERRY proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements in the medicare program, to provide prescription drug coverage under the medicare program, and for other purposes; as follows:

On page 204, after line 22, insert the following:

SEC. ____. ACCESS TO DISCOUNTED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

(a) In General.--From amounts made available under subsection (c), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall award grants to covered entities described in section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 256b(a)(4)) to enable such entities to pay the start-up costs associated with the establishment of pharmacies to provide covered drugs under such section 340B.

(b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), a covered entity shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(c) Funding.--The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated to the Prescription Drug Account established under section 1860DD-25 of the Social Security Act, $300,000,000 to carry out this section. Amounts made available under this subsection shall become available October 1, 2004, and shall remain available until expended.