Section 208.786 - Authority of department in providing benefits - start of program benefits, when1. In providing program benefits, the department shall have the authority to: (1) Adopt, amend, and rescind such rules and regulations necessary to perform its duties under this law to maximize the benefits;(2) Enter into a contract with one or more prescription drug plans to coordinate the prescription benefits of the Missouri Rx plan and the Medicare Part D prescription benefit;(3) Require that pharmaceutical manufacturers provide Medicaid level or greater rebates for enrollees at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level who also meet the asset test for Medicare Part D prescription benefit in order for the manufacturer's products to be available to the enrollees of the Missouri Rx plan. These rebates shall be no less than those provided to Medicaid under Section 1927 of Title XIX of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 1396r-8. If revenue is generated for the program from sources other than appropriation, the additional revenue shall be deposited in the Missouri Rx plan fund. This additional revenue shall be used to fund program benefits and make payments, as may be required, under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, P.L. 108-173;(4) Preliminarily enroll beneficiaries into a preferred Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, with an opt-out provision for the individual. Individuals who opt out of the preferred PDP shall remain enrolled in the Missouri Rx plan unless they choose to withdraw from the program;(5) Prescribe the application and enrollment procedures for prospective enrollees in the Missouri Rx plan;(6) Select in accordance with applicable procurement laws, a contractor to assist in the administration of the Missouri Rx plan or negotiate the provision of administrative function for the Missouri Rx plan.2. Program benefits shall begin January 1, 2006. For persons meeting the eligibility requirements in section 208.784, the program may, subject to appropriation and contingent upon available funds, pay all or some of the deductibles, coinsurance payments, premiums, and co-payments required under the Medicare Part D pharmacy benefit.