SS/SCS/HCS/HB 1898 - This act imposes a tax upon licensed retail pharmacies in Missouri for the privilege of providing outpatient prescription drugs. The tax rate of up to will be based on monthly gross retail prescription receipts of pharmacies, not to exceed 6%. The tax is graduated for a pharmacy that is based in this state and which does business by mail-order. The act does not apply to a mail-order pharmacy located outside this state.

The Department of Social Services will notify each individual pharmacy of the amount of quarterly tax due. The Department of Revenue will promulgate rules to carry-out the provisions of the act.

The act provides for an increase to the dispensing fee to offset the tax increase on pharmacies.

All revenues from the tax will be deposited in the Pharmacy Tax Fund, created in the act. Moneys in the fund will be used to provide payments for services related to the Medicaid pharmacy program.

The Department of Insurance will do an impact study the assess the effects of this legislation on the state.

The act contains an emergency clause and a sunset of June 30, 2003.

This act is similar to SB 1238 (2002).
JEFF CRAVER