(a) General rule.--The department shall prepare a request for proposal for the purpose of providing pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly within this Commonwealth. Upon the adoption of the General Fund budget, the Department of Revenue shall be authorized to transmit the appropriated funds in the State Lottery Fund to the State Treasurer to be deposited in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Fund. This fund shall consist of appropriations and interest and shall be created by the State Treasurer to fund the operations of the program by the department and the private contractor. Funds not expended in the fiscal year in which they were appropriated shall not lapse and be available for use in the next fiscal year.

(b) Additional requests for proposals.--To provide for the continued operation of the program, the department shall prepare, as needed, requests for proposals, in addition to that set forth in subsection (a), for the purpose of providing pharmaceutical assistance for the elderly within this Commonwealth. A request for proposal shall require potential private contractors to submit a proposal for a period of time and with monetary limitations as determined by the department. Upon the enactment of an appropriation from the State Lottery Fund, the Department of Revenue shall be authorized to transmit the appropriated amount to the State Treasurer to be deposited in the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Fund. Funds not expended in the fiscal year in which they were appropriated shall not lapse and shall be available for use in the next fiscal year.