The Illinois Department may seek a waiver of otherwise applicable requirements of Title XIX of the federal Social Security Act in order to claim federal financial participation for a pharmacy assistance program for persons aged 65 and over with income levels at or less than 250% of the federal poverty level. The Illinois Department may provide by rule for all other requirements of the program, including cost sharing, as permitted by an approved waiver and without regard to any provision of this Code to the contrary. The benefits may be no more restrictive than the Pharmacy Assistance Program in effect on May 31, 2001. Benefits provided under the waiver are subject to appropriation.
     The Illinois Department may not implement the waiver until cost neutrality is demonstrated for the State relative to the final Pharmacy Assistance Program appropriation for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001. Implementation of the waiver shall terminate on June 30, 2007.