The bill amends section 5167.12 and enacts new sections 3902.65, 4729.362, and 5164.093 of the Revised Code to enhance accessibility for visually impaired patients regarding prescription medications. It mandates that health benefit plans provide coverage for prescription readers, which are devices that audibly convey essential information from medication labels. Licensed terminal distributors of dangerous drugs are required to notify customers about the availability of prescription readers and must provide them upon request, ensuring that the labels on dispensed drugs are compatible with these devices. The bill also specifies that Medicaid will cover prescription readers provided by licensed distributors.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section 5167.12 and includes provisions that ensure Medicaid managed care organizations comply with the new requirements regarding prescription readers. The new sections clarify definitions and stipulate that the coverage for prescription readers applies only to health benefit plans issued or renewed after the bill's effective date. This legislative change aims to improve the quality of care and accessibility for visually impaired individuals in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5167.12