Bill > H7118

This bill aims to increase transparency and potentially lower prescription drug costs by directing the state board of pharmacy, in collaboration with the department of health, to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs that have seen significant cost increases and on which the state spends substantial healthcare dollars. This list, along with the reasons for the cost increases provided by drug manufacturers, will be shared with the attorney general, who can then seek justification from the manufacturers and potentially impose penalties for non-compliance. The bill also mandates that the department of health use the same dispensing fee for 340B prescription drugs (a federal program offering discounted drugs to certain healthcare facilities) as it does for non-340B drugs under Medicaid, and requires the department to report on its findings and recommendations regarding drug reimbursement formulas. Additionally, an advisory commission will be established to study out-of-pocket prescription drug costs and make recommendations to the governor and the general assembly, with the goal of developing options for health benefit plans offered on the state's health insurance exchange.

Health and Social Services

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