(a) Within the limits of appropriations therefor, the secretary shall establish a program in accordance with the provisions of this act for the care and treatment of persons suffering from hemophilia. This program shall assist persons suffering from hemophilia who require continuing treatment with blood and blood derivatives to avoid extensive hospitalization and other crippling effects associated with this critical chronic bleeding condition, but who are unable to pay for the entire cost of such services on a continuing basis after payment of claims from private third-party payors, medicare, medicaid and other government assistance programs.

(b) State assistance pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be available to an applicant only after it has been shown that the applicant has exhausted all benefits from private third-party payors, medicare, medicaid and other government assistance programs and after consideration of the individual’s income and assets. The secretary shall establish by rules and regulations standards for determining eligibility for state assistance under this act.