Bill > HB931

This bill establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Georgia to help control high prescription drug costs, addressing concerns about how expensive medications negatively impact residents' health and economic well-being. The board will have five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, who will have expertise in healthcare policy or clinical medicine and cannot have conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical industry entities. The board will have the authority to identify prescription drugs for affordability review, considering factors like wholesale acquisition cost, market competition, manufacturing costs, and potential impact on patient access. If a drug is determined to pose an "affordability challenge," the board can establish an upper payment limit that applies to all drug purchases in the state. Health benefit plans, state entities, and participating ERISA plans will be required to report on how any savings from these limits are used to reduce consumer costs. The board must also submit annual reports to various state committees detailing its reviews, upper payment limits, and recommendations for improving prescription drug affordability. Additionally, the bill includes a provision requiring rural healthcare programs to negotiate specialist care rates. The overall goal is to protect Georgia residents from excessive prescription drug costs that can threaten their health and financial stability.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72080