Under IC 4-22-2-24, notice is hereby given that on December 19, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., at the Indiana Government Center-South, 402 West Washington Street, Conference Center Room 5, Indianapolis, Indiana, the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services will hold a public hearing on the Indiana prescription drug program's proposed amendments to 405 IAC 8 and the repeal of 405 IAC 6 that will affect eligibility and benefits under the Indiana prescription drug program and amend the definition of benefits for enrollees.

These rule amendments are being implemented to allow a member to select and enroll in a Medicare Part D plan with more comprehensive benefits, including plans with more inclusive formularies, no deductibles, and coverage during the benefit gap. A change in the rules is needed so that the program can serve more needy elderly Hoosiers and alleviate the administrative burden on providers. The new program will have a positive indirect benefit on pharmacies as state assistance will encourage participation in the Medicare prescription drug program and utilization of pharmacy services by Medicare beneficiaries.

Copies of these rules are now on file at the Indiana Government Center-South, 402 West Washington Street, Room W451 and Legislative Services Agency, One North Capitol, Suite 325, Indianapolis, Indiana and are open for public inspection.