|
2005 Prescription Drug State Legislation
| ARCHIVE: Updated for all 2005 sessions; reposted April 2008 |
In 2005, state legislatures have a stronger than ever health policy focus on prescription drugs. In part this reflects the fact that, according to a recent survey, about 154 million Americans say they take prescription medication regularly, often improving the quality of lives and sometimes saving lives, all at an annual cost of $223 billion this year.[1] As of December, more than 600 separate bills and resolutions in all 50 states sought to address a wide array of policies affecting access, affordability, payment and other regulation of prescription drugs.
For the second year in a row, legislation related to the federal Medicare drug benefit is being considered widely, reflecting the looming deadlines for implementation of the federal plans. Last year 21 states considered such bills in the first four months; this year this total jumped to at least 43 states. These proposals seek to adjust existing state subsidy plans in 32 states and discount plans in 23 states, while several states explore brand new programs for 2005. 21 states are examining possible roles in pharmaceutical importation, 18 states are considering interstate or interagency bulk purchasing while eight states examine expanded use of the federal 340B drug pricing program. At least four states considered requiring public posting of comparative prices for frequently used medications, with the first such bill passed and signed in New York.
Several new trends include proposals establishing state requirements for drug clinical trials conducted by manufacturers, and growing interest in drug monitoring programs aimed at catching potential illegal sales or use of prescription drugs. At the same time, there are more measures proposing to protect or expand access to brand name drugs, and to protect manufacturers or providers from liability in pharmaceutical-related lawsuits. Continuing a pattern from recent years, some legislation seeks to achieve cost containments through use of generic drugs, preferred drug lists, and/or disclosure of financial information.
2005 Laws and Actions: As of the end of December 2005, 129 new laws had been signed in Alaska, Arizona (2), Arkansas (4), California (8), Colorado (3), Connecticut (2), Delaware (2), Florida (2), Hawaii (4), Idaho, Illinois, Indiana (2), Iowa (2), Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine (13), Maryland (2), Massachusetts, Michigan (2), Minnesota (3), Mississippi, Missouri (3), Montana (2), Nebraska, Nevada (3), New Hampshire (2), New Mexico, New York (4), North Carolina, North Dakota (2), Ohio, Oklahoma (6), Oregon (2), Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont (2), Virginia (8), Washington (5), West Virginia (2), Wisconsin (3), Wyoming and the District of Columbia.
In addition 12 non-binding resolutions were adopted in Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.
|
2006-08 Legislation: NCSL has published separate reports for the most recent legislation:
1) 2008 Prescription Drug State Legislation, tracks activities affecting 500+ bills and resolutions during the new calendar year. 
2) 2007 Prescription Drug State Legislation, tracks activities affecting 650+ bills and resolutions during the new calendar year.
3) 2006 Prescription Drug State Legislation, tracks 615+ bills and resolutions during the '06 calendar year, including carry-over items from 2005.
This 2005 report is intended as an active archive covering January through December, but it does not include every subsequent action in 2006. Some individual bill links may no longer be active. |
- Alaska establishes the Senior Care Prescription Drug Benefit Program to provide premium and deductible assistance under MMA, for seniors 65 or older with income up to 175 percent of federal poverty.
- Arkansas establishes a new Rx Discount Program including low and moderate income residents under 65, and a reuse of donated drugs program.
- California law requires all sponsors of a prescription drug plan (PDP) authorized by the federal Medicare Prescription Drug Act of 2003 in California to be licensed by the state as a health care service plan.
- Colorado law clarifies that drugs not covered by Medicare in 2006 may be covered by Medicaid.
- Connecticut authorizes wrap-around and coordination of benefits between ConnPACE and MMA, including allowing the state to apply on behalf of current state subsidy enrollees.
- Delaware defines a wrap-around benefit for Medicare enrollees, to cover certain premiums or deductibles with state funds.
- Hawaii creates a new State Pharmacy Assistance subsidy program for residents age 65 and older and disabled individuals, with incomes up to 100 percent of federal poverty, intended to wrap around Medicare benefits in 2006.
- Illinois establishes a new Senior and Disabled Drug Coverage program to wrap around benefits with Medicare; and extends the Discount Program to cover all residents with incomes under 300 percent of federal poverty.
- Indiana requires recommendations redesigning the state prescription drug program to avoid conflict with the federal Medicare prescription drug benefit program, including allowing automatic enrollment and other methods.
- Kentucky creates a new subsidized pharmacy assistance program for seniors over 65 and under 150 percent of federal poverty that wraps around Medicare Part D benefits; also creates a donated drug reuse program.
- Louisiana includes $190 million for "buy-in" premium assistance for up to 160,000 Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligibles, "for those eligible individuals who cannot afford to pay their own 'out-of-pocket' Medicare costs."
- Maine establishes state standards for drug clinical trials, and creates a Part D wrap around benefit.
- Maryland laws will authorize a state subsidy for some Medicare Part D premiums and deductibles, and will offer discounts to some under-65 uninsured residents.
- Massachusetts requires the state Prescription Advantage program to provide MMA wrap around "assistance for premiums, deductibles and co-payments” instead of state-based insurance, and authorizes facilitated or automatic enrollment.
- Michigan eliminates a current prohibition against mail-order pharmacies.
- Minnesota requires that stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) obtain state certification and show financial soundness.
- Mississippi law adds Medicare Part D eligibility with annual income up to 150 percent of federal poverty as a category of Medicaid eligibility.
- Missouri law creates a newly defined Missouri Rx pharmaceutical assistance plan, now including disabled, to coordinate with MMA by payment of copays and deductibles and authorizing preferred enrollment. They terminate the old "Senior Rx" program.
- Montana creates a new pharmaceutical assistance program for Medicare enrollees up to 200 percent of federal poverty and a separate discount program for residents under age 65.
- Nevada requires the state to coordinate prescription drug services provided by the state and those provided by Medicare, with a goal of maintaining present coverage "to the extent allowed by federal law," maximizing prescription drug coverage and use of federal funds.
- New Hampshire creates a new SPAP to coordinate coverage with Medicare, covering only drug costs not covered by the Part D program as the payor of last resort; also suspends so-called "clawback" payments to the federal Medicare program in 2006, "unless a court determines that provisions of Medicare Part D are constitutional."
- New Jersey requires enrollment in Medicare Part D to be eligible for wrap-around benefits from the state PAAD subsidy program in 2006.
- New Mexico establishes a voluntary discount card program for residents under age 65 (the state has another program for people over 65); the only requirement is age and residency and evidence of no other prescription drug coverage.
- New York provides that Part D enrollees in 2006 will remain eligible for EPIC subsidy benefits; the state will pay the portion of the cost ofr drugs which no payment or reimbursement is made by the Medicare program less the participant's co-payment. The annual registration fee will be waived for Part D enrollees eligible for low-income subsidy.
- North Carolina terminates the Senior Cares prescription drug subsidy program as of December 31, 2005, but authorizes Part D automatic enrollment for state program beneficiaries up to 135 percent of FPL.
- North Dakota laws regulate PBM disclosure and contract transparancy, and clarify that drugs not covered by Medicare in 2006 may not be covered by Medicaid, except during a six-week transition period in January-February.
- Oklahoma law establishes a new combined clearinghouse and discount program, based on voluntary negotiations with manufacturers, aimed at uninsured residents and their families.
- Rhode Island creates a programs allowing regulated donation of unused prescription medications for re-prescribing to indigents.
- South Carolina creates a Gap Assistance Prescription Program for Seniors (GAPS) as of January 1, 2006, to replace the SILVERxCARD subsidy program of 2000-2005, with a state-funded wraparound benefit covering $2250-$5100 annually.
- Texas law authorizes creation of a state-run Web site to help Texans buy prescription drugs from Canada, including listing state-inspected approved Canadian distributors.
- Utah law establishes a Rx management program using 340B drug pricing.
- Vermont authorizes joining the multi-state web-based importation project, and authorizes a wrap around fort heir state pharmaceutical programs.
- Virginia requires that state health-related websites include information directing residents "to publicly available information on clinical drug trials and other clinical studies" including those sponsored by the NIH and private databanks.
- Washington authorizes a prescription drug purchasing consortium, using their evidence-based prescription drug program, with all state agencies required to participate, and voluntary involvement by private insurers and uninsured residents.
- Wisconsin increases the funding for the state pharmaceutical program (SPAP) by $12.4 million.
- Wyoming creates a donated drug reuse program.
This tracking report generally does not include legislation regulating only pharmacists and pharmacies, nor measures only affecting Medicaid. Topic codes listed for individual bills identify major topics, but may not include all provisions. Codes may include measures that would restrict, as well as expand, use of a particular policy.
TABLE 1: 2005 Rx Legislation Topic Summary
|
Prescription Drug Bill Major Topics |
Topic Code |
States with 2005 legislation
(Underline = passed by legislature;
Green = '04 signed in '05) |
|
Use of federal 340B discount price program |
340B |
CA, CO, ME, MA, MN, NM, NY, RI, UT |
|
Expanded access to brand name Rx |
Brand |
CO, DE, FL, HI, ID, KY, ME, MA, MN, MS, MO, NJ, OK, RI, TN, TX, VT |
|
Multi-state or inter-agency bulk purchasing |
Bulk |
CA, CO, CT, IN, ME, MD, MA, MN, MT, NH, NY, NC, OH, OK, RI, SC, TX, VA, WA |
|
Clearinghouse information |
CL |
AR, CA, CO, CT, GA, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MO, MT, NV, NM, OK, OR, TX, VA , WA |
|
Discount program |
D |
AR, CA, CO, GA, ID, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV |
|
Generic drugs |
Generic |
AL, CA, FL, MA, NJ, NM, NY, OR, TN, TX |
|
Regulate drug importation or reimportation |
Imp |
CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NV, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, (VA) WA |
|
Regulate forms, labels or packaging on retail Rx |
Label |
CA, CT, DE, IL, IN, ME, MA, MT, OK, PA, TN, WA, WI |
|
Protecting Rx manufacturers or providers from suits |
Liability |
GA, KY, MO, NY, OH, OR, SC, WA, WV |
|
Mail-order pharmaceuticals |
Mail |
CT, GA, ME, MA, MI, NJ, TX |
|
Marketing & advertising
(see www.ncsl.org/programs/health/rxads.htm for more information) |
Mkt |
AR, CA, CT, FL, HI, IL, IA, ME, MA, MN, MT, MS, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, WA, WI, WY |
|
Medicaid
(partial list; see notes) |
M |
CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, VT, WY |
|
Medicare Prescription Drug Act (MMA) state changes
(Also see:
2005 State Pharmaceutical and Medicare Coordination Legislation |
MMA |
AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV |
|
Regulation of pharmaceutical benefit managers |
PBM |
AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, MN, (MT), NM, NY, ND, PA, SC, TX |
|
Preferred Drug List (partial list; see notes) |
PDL |
CO, HI, ME, MD, MA, MS, NE, NM, NY, ND, OR, RI, TN, TX, VT, WA |
|
Relates to pricing of pharmaceuticals |
Price |
CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV |
|
Reuse or recycling of pharmaceuticals |
Reuse |
AR, CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, IA, KY, ME, MA, MI, MN, NE, OK, PA, RI, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY |
|
State Rx Subsidy program |
S |
AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI |
|
Study or task force on Rx |
Study |
CA, CT, DE, FL, ME, MA, MI, NH, NY, NC, OK, PA, VA |
|
Disclose or regulate in-state Rx clinical trials |
Trials |
CA, CT, HI, IL, KS, ME, MD, NV, NJ, NY, ND, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA |
|
Regulate Rx wholesalers; preventing counterfeits |
Whole |
AZ, AR, CA, CT, FL, IL, IN, ME, NE, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, VA |
|
Other Rx policy |
- |
CA, CT, DE, IA, PA, TX, VA, WV |
TABLE 2: 2005 Rx Legislation by State
Bills detailed in the table below are subject to consideration during 2005 state legislative sessions. Some measures in New Jersey and Virginia were filed in 2004 but carried-over to 2005. 25 states allow for carry-over of 2005 bills into 2006. Because bill content and status change frequently, even daily, the bill status listed is simplified. [NCSL 2005 State Legislative Session Calendar]
AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NH | NV | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY |
State/bill/ web link / sponsor
yellow background = enacted |
Description / excerpts of bill text
Bill status may change frequently - check state legislative links on bill numbers below or legislative offices for the most recent actions. |
Topic
code |
|
AL
SB 14
Sen. Smitherman |
Would require a physician prescribing a medication to prescribe a generic equivalent if available unless the physician notes on the prescription order and in the patient's record that the brand name is medically necessary.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/1/05; did not pass by end of regular session 5/16/05) | |
Generic |
AL
HB 247,
SB 277
Rep. Knight
Sen. Bedford
|
Would require the Alabama SeniorRx - Partnership for Medication Access coordinate with the Departments of Mental Health, Medicaid, Public Health and Human Resources "to ensure that Alabama SeniorRx services are maximized and that paperwork and inconvenience to the clients are minimized." Would appropriate $1.5 million for FY 2006.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/10/05; HB 247 passed House; did not pass by end of regular session 5/16/05) | |
CL, S |
|
AK
HB 106,
SB 78
House Rules Comm.,
Governor |
Establishes the Senior Care Prescription Drug Benefit Program to provide premium and deductible assistance, for seniors 65 or older with income up to $20,913 annually (175 percent of FPL). The program may pay premiums and deductibles under MMA beginning January 2006 or may pay other Rx-related costs or insurance premiums. A separate section creates a cash assistance program for seniors with individual income up to $16,133 (135 percent of FPL), with benefits set at $120 per month. Repeals conflicting parts of Senior Care Rx enacted in 2004.
SB 78- (Filed and sent to committee 2/24/05; did not pass by end of regular session)|
HB 106-(Filed; passed House 5/6/05; passed Senate 5/8/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 89, 8/8/05) |
MMA, S |
|
AZ
HB 2193
Rep. Carpenter |
Establishes additional requirements for full service wholesale permittees that are regulated by the State Board of Pharmacy. Would add requirements for and restrictions on certain prescription drug transactions, regarding safety and anti-counterfeiting, including pedigree requirements for prescription drugs that leave the normal distribution channel.
(Filed 1/18/05; passed House 56y-2n, 3/9/05, passed Senate 23y-5n, 4/20/05; signed into law by governor 5/20/05) | |
Whole |
|
AZ
SB 1137
Sen. Allen |
Authorizes the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to establish an eligibility process to determine whether a Medicare low income subsidy is available for persons who apply for the prescription drug benefit. Restates that dual-eligible Medicaid-Medicare enrollees must receive prescription drugs through a Medicare plan as of January 1, 2006
(Filed and passed House 3/1/05; passed Senate; signed into law by governor as Chapter 193, 4/25/05) | |
MMA |
|
AR
HB 1031
Rep. Mahony |
Would allow donated prescription medications to be dispensed to patients at charitable clinics. Sets up a program in which nursing homes contribute leftover medications to free or reduced-cost charitable clinics that serve the working poor. The clinics then distribute the drugs to indigent patients who make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid but too little to afford private health insurance.
(Passed House and Senate 2/10/05; signed into law by governor as Act 132, 2/15/05) | |
Reuse |
|
AR
HB 1241
Rep. McDaniel
|
Creates a prescription drug discount program for AR residents without Rx coverage, age 65 or over, or under age 65 with annual income up to 350 percent of federal poverty. The “Arkansas Rx Program” will use manufacturer rebates and pharmacy discounts to reduce prescription drug prices, with participating retail drug stores to pass on savings from rebates. Requires an annual enrollment fee of $25. Those enrolled in Medicare Part D or Medicaid will not be eligible.
(Filed, passed House 3/2/05; passed Senate 2/23/05; signed into law by governor as Act 538, 3/3/05) | |
D, MMA |
|
AR
HB 1493
Rep. Norton |
Would increase the state income tax exemption for retirement benefits by $2,000 in order to provide retirees with additional funds with which to pay for the rising costs of prescription drugs.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/8/05; did not pass by end of regular session 4/13/05) | |
S, Credit |
|
AR
HB 1955
Rep. Hutchinson |
Would create the AR Affordable Rx Program for AR residents over 65 and at or below 350% FPL. Enrollment fee of $25 would apply.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/22/05; did not pass by end of regular session 4/13/05 - see HB 1241 above) | |
D, MMA |
|
AR
HB 2143
HB 2296
Rep. McDaniel |
Authorizes the Department of Human Services' Arkansas Rx program start-up appropriation of $14.5 million for 2005-2007. (See HB 1241 above)
(HB 2296 filed 2/28/05; passed House 4/5/05; passed Senate 4/6/05; signed into law by governor as Act 1858, 4/11/05) | |
D, MMA |
|
AR
HB 2446
Rep. Mahony |
Would create rules regarding the issuance and renewal of licenses and permits for both in-state and out-of-state wholesale distributors of drugs, manufacturers of drugs, sellers of drugs, manufacturer-sellers of drugs, chain pharmacy warehouses, and drug repackagers shipping into or within the State.
(Filed 3/2/05; engrossed in House but withdrawn; did not pass, 4/4/05) | |
Whole |
|
AR
HB 2629
Rep. Bond |
Provides funding for administrative costs of the AR Rx Program (see HB 1241) by earmarking 25 percent of a dedicated state tax to this purpose. Effective date is July 1, 2005.
(Filed 3/7/05; passed House 4/12/05; passed Senate 4/11/05; signed into law by governor as Act 2219, 4/15/05) | |
D, MMA |
|
AR
HB 2845
Rep. Key |
Would establish fair trade practices and licensing of PBMs.
(Filed 3/7/05; engrossed in House but withdrawn, to interim study 4/7/05) | |
PBM |
|
AR
HB 2970
Rep. Norton |
Would require disclosure of pharmaceutical marketing practices.
(Marketing portion of bill amended and deleted from the bill.)
(Filed 3/7/05; passed House 4/6/05; did not pass Senate 4/16/05) | |
Mkt |
|
AR
SB 119
Sen. Critcher |
Would establish a prescription drug monitoring program.
(Filed 1/20/05; withdrawn, did not pass, to interim study 4/7/05) | |
Monitor |
|
AR
SB 431
Sen. Salmon |
Would establish the Arkansas pharmaceutical connection program; to allow residents to access all manufacturerer-sponsored Rx assistance and other programs, including Medicare Part D.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/17/05; withdrawn; did not pass 4/7/05) | |
CL |
|
CA
AB 47
Assm. Cohn |
Existing law authorizes the State Department of Health Services to provide pneumonia vaccine to local governmental or private, nonprofit agencies at no charge, for distribution at a minimal cost. Would require the department to provide pneumonia vaccine to those entities.
(Filed 1/6/05; vaccine language deleted & did not pass 3/9/05*) |
Vaccine, - |
|
CA
AB 71
Assm. Frommer |
Would establish the Office of California Drug Safety Watch within the department to perform duties related to adverse drug reactions, including establishing a toll-free telephone number to receive reports of adverse drug reactions, establishing a Web site and maintaining a database to provide up-to-date information to the public about adverse drug reactions.
(Filed 2/3/05; passed Assembly 6/2/05; did not pass Senate by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Safety |
|
CA
AB 72
Assm. Frommer |
Would create a prescription drugs manufacturer requirement to submit a report to the State Department of Health Services of health studies or clinical trials that have been or are being conducted. Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions to enforce the reporting requirements.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed 2nd Reading Assembly, rescinded; did not pass committee by deadline 1/31/06) | |
Mkt, Trials |
|
CA
AB 73
Assm. Frommer
|
Would establish the California Rx Prescription Drug Web Site Program to provide information to residents about options for obtaining prescription drugs at affordable prices, including providing information about, and electronic links to, federal, state pharmaceutical programs and pharmacies located in Canada, England and Ireland that meet state requirements, and other Web sites. Requires the Web site to include price comparisons of prescription drugs. Requires the Department of General Services to determine which state programs may save funds by purchasing from new sources and establish pilot programs to purchase prescription drugs from international pharmacies.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed Assembly 6/2/05; passed Senate 9/14/05; vetoed by governor 9/29/05) |
CL, Imp |
|
CA
AB 74
Assm. Gordon |
Would establish the California Rx Prescription Drug Hotline, a 1-900 number costing callers no more than $0.50 per call. The Hotline will provide information on discounts available through: Medicare, state and federal programs, and pharmaceutical manufacturers’ patient assistance programs. Other information would include the availability of prescription drugs from Canada and price comparisons.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed Assembly 6/2/05; did not pass Senate by recess of regular session until 2006 9/8/05*) |
CL, Imp, MMA, Price |
|
CA
AB 75
Assm. Frommer |
Would establish the California Rx Plus State Pharmacy Assistance Program for Californians with income below 400% of poverty and not covered by Medi-Cal or Healthy Families. Authorizes the department to negotiate drug rebate agreements with drug manufacturers to provide for drug discounts that may be linked to use of Medi-Cal prior authorization process. Also would require drug manufacturers to provide a single point of entry for their patient assistance programs, and to report total numbers and value of drugs provided to Californians through those programs; includes $5 million for implementation.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed Assembly 6/2/05; did not pass Senate by end of regular session 9/8/05*)
(UPDATE: AB 75 includes features similar to ballot Proposition #79, for vote by California voters. It was defeated on the ballot, 61.1% No to 38.9% Yes on 11/8/05. Also see SB 19.) |
MMA, S |
|
CA
AB 76-final
Assm. Frommer |
Would repeal provisions that authorize the Department of General Services to enter into contracts on a bid or negotiated basis with manufacturers and suppliers of drugs, and to obtain discounts, rebates, or refunds. Would create the Office of Pharmaceutical Purchasing within the California Health and Human Services Agency with authority and duties to purchase prescription drugs for state agencies. Would expand the state role to act as purchasing agent for more entities and would authorize the office to "negotiate the lowest prices possible for prescription drugs." Also authorizes establishing "a formulary or formularies for state programs"; Pursuing "all opportunities for the state to achieve savings through the federal 340B program including the development of cooperative agreements with entities covered under the 340B program that increase access to 340B program prices for individuals receiving prescription drugs through state programs. It would "develop an outreach program to ensure that hospitals, clinics, and other eligible entities participate in the program.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed Assembly 6/2/05; passed Senate 9/15/05; vetoed by governor 10/7/05) |
340B, Bulk |
|
CA
AB 77-law
Assm. Frommer |
Authorizes the Department of Corrections to establish a pilot project to determine whether the department may reduce the cost of providing prescription drugs to inmates at a discounted price pursuant to federal (“340B”) law, by contracting for health care services. The bill would require the department to report to the Legislature by May 1, 2007, on implementation and its effect on the quality and cost of health care provided to the affected inmates.
(Filed 1/3/05; passed Assembly 77y-0n 5/16/05; passed Senate 9/13/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 503, 10/4/05 |
340B |
|
CA
AB 78-final
Assm. Pavley |
Would require a pharmacy benefits manager to disclose specified financial and contractual details to purchasers using the PBM services. Disclosure is required only upon written request from the purchaser; the PBM may include a provision requiring disclosed information to remain confidential and proprietary. Authorized disclosure requests include total amounts of rebates and other discounts that the PBM receives from each pharmaceutical manufacturer for drugs specified in contract; the "nature, type and amount of all revenues" the PBM receives from manufacturers for any other products or services; any aggregate drug utilization data for the purchaser's enrollees; any financial arrangements with prescribing providers, pharmacists or others associated with activities "to encourage formulary compliance." Exempts health insurers and state-run programs.
(Deleted from final bill) Would require a PBM to make disclosures to its prospective purchasers, and to make specified disclosures to the public upon request. Would impose requirements on the membership of a pharmacy and therapeutics committee for a PBM, and require a pharmacy benefits manager to meet conditions before substituting a prescribed medication.
(Filed 1/18/05; passed Assembly 44y-34n; passed Senate 23y-14n 9/6/05; vetoed by governor 9/29/05) |
PBM |
|
CA
AB 95
Assm. Koretz |
Would establish a program that would require manufacturers of drugs for life-threatening chronic conditions that are on the lists for Medi-Cal or the AIDS Drugs Assistance Program to pay the department a rebate equal to the costs of marketing that drug. Requires these manufacturers to disclose to the department all costs incurred in the marketing of the drugs to consumers and physicians.
(Filed 5/4/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Mkt |
|
CA
AB 225
Assm. McLeod |
Would change law about electronic Rx prescribing information sharing, by allowing nonmonetary payment to providers for equipment, constistent with MMA regulations.
(Filed 2/3/05; passed Assembly 75y-0n, 4/18/05; did not pass Senate by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
MMA |
|
CA
AB 288,
AB 657
Assm. Karnette,
Assm. Mountjoy |
Would require prescription containers to be labeled with the condition for which the drug was prescribed, unless the patient, physician, or a parent or legal guardian of a minor patient requests that the information be omitted.
AB 288 - (Filed 2/9/05) AB 657- (Filed 2/17/05; passed Assembly 5/19/05; did not pass Senate by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Label |
|
CA
AB 306
Assm. Baca |
Would create a purchasing pool for prescription drugs with the intent of lowering prescription drug costs of many Californians by allowing employer health plans and the uninsured to join with state and local governments and school districts in the purchase of prescription drugs.
(Filed and sent to committee 2/9/05; Rx section did not pass in committee 4/12/05) | |
Bulk |
|
CA
AB 497-law
Assm. McLeod |
Changes drug wholesaler licensure requirements for transactions between out of state distributors.
(Filed 2/16/05; passed Assembly 5/16/05; passed Senate 8/22/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 301, 9/22/05) |
Whole |
CA
AB 522-law
Assm. Plescia |
Bans Medicaid/Medi-Cal payment for erectile dysfunction treatment for registered sex offenders.
(Filed 2/16; passed Assembly 5/5/05; passed Senate 8/15/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 469, 10/4/05) |
M |
|
CA
AB 587 -law
Assm. McLeod |
Facilitates coordination of the Medicare prescription drug benefit by Public Employees' Retirement System, ensuring that health benefits for Medicare-eligible participants continue to be provided in a coordinated and cost-effective manner, by prohibiting employees, retirees and family members enrolled in a prescription drug plan under Part D of
Medicare from enrolling in a board-approved health benefit plan, unless enrolled in an approved Medicare Advantage plan.
(Filed 2/16/05; passed Assembly 5/5/05; passed Senate 8/15; signed into law by governor as Chapter 527, 10/5/05) |
MMA |
|
CA
AB 1187
Assm. Wolk |
Would require every pharmaceutical company to adopt a Comprehensive Compliance Program that includes policies related to interactions with health care professionals and limits on gifts or incentives provided to medical professionals.
(Filed 2/22/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Mkt |
|
CA
AB 1359
Assm. Chan |
Requires all sponsors of a prescription drug plan (PDP) authorized by the federal Medicare Prescription Drug Act of 2003 in California to be licensed as a health care service plan, regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care.
(Filed 2/22/05; passed Assembly 6/1/05; passed Senate 8/23/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 230, 9/6/05) |
MMA |
|
CA
SB 19
Sen. Ortiz |
Would establish the California Pharmacy Assistance Program (Cal Rx) under the oversight of the State Department of Health Services; would authorize implementation through a 3rd-party vendor or existing health care service providers, also authorizes the state to "attempt to negotiate drug rebate agreements" for Cal Rx with drug manufacturers. The bill would authorize any pharmacy and drug manufacturer, to provide services under Cal Rx and would establish eligibility criteria including residency, annual income up to 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines, and would prohibit dual enrollment in other federal or state prescription drug benefit program. Would authorize program termination if any of three determinations are made: that there are insufficient discounts to participants to make Cal Rx viable; that there are an insufficient number of applicants for Cal Rx; that the department is unable to find a responsible third-party vendor to administer Cal Rx.
(Filed 12/6/04; action postponed 5/4/05; did not pass Senate by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*)
(UPDATE: SB 19 includes features similar to ballot Proposition #78, for vote by California voters. It was defeated on the ballot, 58.5% No to 41.5% Yes on 11/8/05) |
D, MMA |
CA
SB 163
Sen. Scott
|
Would require a pharmaceutical company entering into acontract with an agency of the state to disclose the percentage of its national operating budget that is expended on marketing purposes, and the percentage of its national operating budget expended on research and development. Thebill would prohibit a state department or agency from entering into acontract with a pharmaceutical company in the absence of that disclosure.
(Filed 5/24/05; passed Senate, 5/31/05; failed in committee; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Mkt |
|
CA
SB 329
Sen. Cedillo |
Would create the California Prescription Drug Safety and Efficacy Commission within the California Health and Human Services Agency, related to providing residents with information on the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs via an Internet Web site.
(Filed 2/16/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
CL, Safety |
|
CA
SB 375
Sen. Speier |
Would change Medicare supplement coverage provisions corresponding to revisions made to the Medicare program by the federal Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. The bill would revise eligibility requirements for Medicare supplement coverage, including the guaranteed issue of coverage, and would add two benefit plans.
(Filed 2/17/05, 4/11/05; passed Senate 24y-15n 5/31/05; passed Assembly 8/18/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 206, 9/6/05) |
MMA |
|
CA
SB 380
Sen. Alquist |
Would require health professionals and facilities to report all suspected serious adverse drug events that they observe in medical practice to MedWatch, the drug safety information and adverse event reporting program operated by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill would prohibit a licensed health professional or health facility that violates this provision from being subject to the existing penalties and remedies of the Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetics Law.
(Filed 2/17/05; passed Senate 5/2/05; passed Assembly 3rd Reading 8/22/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Safety |
|
CA
SB 401
Sen. Ortiz |
Would clarify that marketing includes a written communication that is provided by a pharmacy to a patient about a different drug or treatment than that being dispensed by the pharmacy and that is paid for, or sponsored by, a manufacturer, labeler, or distributor of prescription drugs, as specified. Because a violation thereof may be punishable as a misdemeanor, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(Filed 4/12/05; passed Senate 5/26/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
Mkt |
|
CA
SB 452
Sen. Alarcon |
Would keep Medi-Cal pharmaceutical contracts exempt from the Public Records access, but allow chairs to legislative committeees with Rx policy responsibility to view such contracts, including confidential pricing details.
(Filed 2/17/05, 5/26/05; did not pass by recess of regular session until 2006, 9/8/05*) |
M |
|
CA
SB 708
Sen. Speier |
Requires the State Department of Health Services to develop a standard contract for private nonprofit hospitals whereby a hospital that elects to participate in the federal 340B drug discount program may agree to provide medical care to indigent patients pursuant to a memorandum of understanding with the department. Requires any hospital entering into such an agreement to "agree to continue its historic commitment to the provision of
charity care."
(Filed 2/22/05; passed Senate 5/26/05; passed Assembly 8/18/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 207, 9/6/05) |
D, 340B |
|
CA
SB 798 -law
Sen. Simitian |
Authorizes a county to establish, by local ordinance, a repository and distribution program for purposes of distributing surplus unused medications to persons in need of financial assistance. Includes procedures for safety and management by licensed pharmacists. Also authorizes any drug manufacturer, licensed health facility, or pharmacy to donate medications.
(Filed 2/22/05; passed Senate 5/16/05; passed Assembly 9/7/05; signed into law by governor as Chapter 444, 9/30/05) |
Reuse |
|
CA
SB 861
Sen. Speier |
Would require the Medi-CAL director to update allowable Medicaid drug product prices within seven days of receiving notice of a drug product price change, instead of the old 30-day requirement.
(Filed 2/22/05; passed Senate 35y-4n 6/2/05; all pharmaceutical provisions deleted and did not pass Assembly 6/21/05. Unrelated bill with same number became law 10/7/05) |
M, Price |
|
CO
HB 05-1152
Rep. Frangas |
Would require the state to “join an established multi-state buying consortium" for lower-cost prescription drugs. Also would create a clearinghouse of manufacture assistance programs and require state agencies to “maximize prescription drug discounts within the programs administered by the departments through the utilization of the federal 340B drug pricing program” in order to receive the maximum state budget savings.
Also would establish the Colorado Cares Prescription Drug discount Program, to allow uninsured residents of any age with incomes up to 300% of federal poverty to purchase pharmaceuticals at the reduced bulk rates. Eligibility includes any person who "does not have all of his or her prescription drugs paid for through health insurance," such as Medicare enrollees. The program may charge up to $25 annual fee and dispensing fees, with pharmacy reimbursement rates based on existing Medicaid rates.
Deleted from final version: reference to Rx importation. Other sections of the bill depend on passage of HB 1264 to become law.
(Filed; passed House 4/21/05; passed Senate 5/9/05; vetoed by governor 6/1/05) |
340B, CL, D, Imp, MMA, Price |
|
CO
HB 05-1300
Rep. Pommer |
Would regulate the business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by establishing a fiduciary duty with primary duty to “provide benefits and defray costs.”
(Filed 2/21/05; did not pass committee by end of session 5/05) | |
PBM |
|
CO
HB 05-1343
Rep. Cloer |
Would require the state to establish a state Maximum Allowable Cost program for prescription drugs under the state medicaid program and design the program to reduce the cost of prescription drugs under the Medicaid program by 3 percent in 2005-06 and 3 percent in 2006-07. Would direct that the savings generated by the program be used to administer and pay for a state pharmaceutical access program and a pharmaceutical assistance program. Would direct the state department to administer, within available appropriations, a Colorado state pharmaceutical access program for persons whose family income is up to three hundred percent of the federal poverty level and who are enrolled in the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program. Directs the state department to establish the Colorado pharmaceutical assistance program to allow eligible persons to purchase prescription drugs at a discounted rate.
(Filed 4/26/05; did not pass committee 5/4/05) | |
D, M, MMA, Price |
CO
HJR 05-1049
Rep. Riesberg |
Resolution shows support and "commend the Together Rx Access™ Card to help residents who lack public or private prescription drug coverage gain better access to prescription products. Also allows other public sector entities to educate their constituents about the availability of the Together Rx Access™ Card and facilitate enrollment by distributing enrollment materials and holding enrollment events in local districts.
(Filed 4/20/05; passed House 4/22/05; passed Senate 5/9/05 and enrolled as final) |
Brand, D, MMA |
|
CO
SB 05-22
Sen. Johnson |
Would establish an expert committee to establish of a preferred drug list for the state's Medicaid program, and, in connection therewith, developing a prior authorization process for prescription drugs.
(Filed 1/12/05; passed Senate 4/13/05; did not pass House 5/4/05) |
M, PDL |
|
CO
SB 05-89
Sen. Hanna
|
Would authorize the Dept. of Public Health to declare an emergency “shortage of drugs critical to the public safety” to prevent the practice of unfair drug pricing, defined as charging more than 10% higher than the pre-shortage price.
(Filed 1/17/05; passed Senate 2/22/05; passed House 3/31/05; signed into law by governor 4/22/05) |
Price, Vaccine |
|
CO
SB 05-102
Sen. Hagedorn,
Sen. Fitz-Gerald |
Authorizes multi-state prescription drug purchasing for Medicaid, including use of a preferred drug list and supplemental rebates from manufacturers.
(Included in Senate bill, but deleted from final version:)
Would establish the Colorado Cares Prescription Drug discount Program, to allow uninsured residents of any age with incomes up to 350% of federal poverty to purchase pharmaceuticals at the reduced bulk rates.
(Filed 1/31/05; passed Senate 5/3/05; amended and passed House 5/5/05; vetoed by governor; did not become law, 6/1/05) |
Bulk, D, M, MMA, PDL |
|
CO
SB 05-162
Sen. Keller |
Provides that prescription drug benefits under the Medicaid program for dual-eligible persons who are enrolled in a prescription drug benefits program under Medicare will transfer to Medicare, clarifying that drugs not covered by Medicare in 2006 may be covered by Medicaid.
(Filed 2/1/05; passed Senate 2/21/05; passed House 3/15/05; signed into law by governor 4/5/05) |
M, MMA |
|
CO
SB 05-165
Sen. Tochtrop |
Establishes a Colorado cancer drug repository program, allowing patients and family to donate unused medication, via a pharmacist to a needy patient, at no charge.
(Filed 2/1/05; passed Senate 2/22/05; passed House 3/29/05; signed into law by governor 4/14/05) |
Reuse |
|
CT
HB 5292
Ins. and Real Estate Comm. |
Would prohibit insurance policies that cover prescription drugs from requiring an insured person to receive prescriptions from a mail order pharmacy.
(Filed 1/18/05; tabled 5/1/05; did not pass committee by end of regualr session 6/8/05) | |
Mail |
CT
HB 5694,
SB 22
Rep. Keeley,
Sen. DeFronzo |
Would allow for increased enrollment in the ConnPACE program by allowing individuals who otherwise qualify for the program, but whose income exceeds current eligibility standards, to qualify for graduated program benefits.
(Filed 1/5/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
S |
|
CT
HB 5821, HB 5824,
HB 6181, HB 6189,
HB 6306, HB 6559,
SB 308, SB 551
Rep. Lewis, Sen. Looney, et al |
Would make information about the results of clinical trials available to the public. Would require disclosure of clinical drug trial results; provides physicians and patients. HB 6189 would specify "access to accurate information about the risks and benefits of drugs being tested in clinical drug trials." HB 6559 also would require public disclosure of clinical trials conducted at state hospitals and universities. SB 308 would require disclosure of clinical trial results. SB 551 would require that clinical trials be done in an ethical manner.
(Filed 1/20/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Trials |
|
CT
HB 5967
Rep. Fleischmann |
Would better educate consumers and improve the functioning of the prescription drug marketplace by publishing available information concerning prescription drug pricing, including: wholesale price, the Canadian wholesale price, the federal supply schedule price, retail prices in Connecticut, the prices charged to other governmental agencies, health care facilities, health insurance companies and other purchasers, and such other information as the board deems relevant, for the fifty prescription drugs with the highest sales volume sold through the ConnPACE program.
(Filed 1/21/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Price |
|
CT
HB 5968
Rep. O’Brien |
Would increase ConnPACE income eligibility limits by five thousand dollars and to provide an option to those with income above program limits to enroll in the ConnPACE program provided such persons pay a prorated ConnPACE premium.
(Filed 1/21/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
S |
|
CT
HB 5989
Rep. Christ |
Would allow any vendor pharmacy which distributes drug products utilized by residents of a group home, residential facility or shelter operated by the Department of Mental Retardation or the Department of Children and Families, to accept for repackaging and reimbursement pharmacy drug products that were dispensed to a resident of any such facility and not used, provided certain safety standards for the return of the unused drug products are met.
(Filed 1/21/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Reuse |
|
CT
HB 6106
Rep. Fleischmann |
Would require the Commissioner of Social Services to negotiate supplemental Medicaid rebates from drug companies in an amount equal to or greater than rebates available under existing federal law and to further negotiate with such drug companies the cost of prescription drugs for uninsured residents.
(Filed 1/24/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
M, Supp, Price |
|
CT
HB 6183
Rep. Geragosian |
Would require public disclosure of gifts by pharmaceutical companies to physicians licensed to practice in Connecticut.
(Filed 1/24/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Mkt |
|
CT
HB 6185
Rep. Christ |
Would prohibit insurers from charging patients copayments, deductibles or other out-of-pocket expenses for necessary follow-up care related to chemotherapy.
(Filed 1/24/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Copay |
|
CT
HB 6278
Rep. Spallone |
Would authorize a feasibility study for an interstate health insurance and prescription drug purchasing pool.
(Filed 1/25/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 3/24/05, 6/8/05) | |
Bulk, study |
|
CT
HB 6571
Select Comm. On Aging |
Would allow ConnPACE participants to receive 90 day supply of maintenance drugs.
(Filed 1/31/05; favorable committee report 5/3/05; did not pass by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
S |
|
CT
HB 6623
Pub. Health Comm. |
Would allow the University of CT to establish and operate and study a limited two-year pilot program, to allow appropriately qualified and trained academic detailers to visit licensed physicians in their offices to provide unbiased, evidence-based information on the diagnosis and treatment of selected illnesses, including information pertaining to the use of pharmaceuticals to assist the physicians in improving the quality of patient care and making cost-effective prescribing decisions for various diseases, while simultaneously focusing on patient outcomes.
(Filed 2/3/05; favorable committee report 4/26/05; did not pass by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Mkt, Study |
|
CT
HB 6651
Select Comm. On Aging |
Would require that the Commissioner of Social Services, when making determinations for eligibility in the ConnPACE program, shall deduct from the income of an applicant the out-of pocket prescription drug costs incurred in the twelve-month period prior to the date of application.
(Filed 2/9/05; held in committee; did not pass during regular session 6/8/05) |
S |
|
CT
HB 6687
Rep. Ward |
Would update the existing ConnPACE “Connecticut Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract to the Elderly and the Disabled,” which provides subsidized payments to pharmacies for the cost of prescription drugs dispensed to eligible individuals minus a copayment. Would prohibit Medicare-eligible coverage by Medicaid, but would allow state coverage for copayments over the state copayment of $16.25.
(Filed 2/10/05; held in committee; did not pass during regular session 6/8/05) |
MMA, S |
|
CT
HB 6846
Hum. Serv. Committee |
Would coordinate implementation of the Medicare part D program as it relates to ConnPACE and dually eligible beneficiaries; ensuring that full benefit dually eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries continue to receive the same level of prescription drug coverage and benefits.
(Filed and sent to committee 3/2/05; favorable report 4/4/05; did not pass during regular session 6/8/05) |
MMA, S |
|
CT
HB 6854
General Law Comm. |
Creates the Pharmacy Outreach Program administered by participating manufacturers through a toll-free telephone number, to enable residents to more readily obtain information concerning certain voluntary manufacturer drug assistance programs.
(Filed 3/3/05; passed House 6/1/05; passed Senate 6/8/05; signed into law by governor as Public Act No. 05-269, 6/22/05) |
CL |
|
CT
HB 6867
Insurance and Real Estate Comm. |
Would regulate persons who offer pharmacy benefit management plans (PBMs) in the state.
(Filed 2/22/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
PBM |
|
CT
HB 6916
Insurance and Real Estate Comm. |
Would provide that pharmaceutical companies doing business in this state shall be assessed a health and welfare fee in a similar manner as is required for certain insurers.
(Filed 3/10/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
- |
|
CT
HB 6946
Pub. Health Comm. |
Would require the licensing of wholesale prescription drug distributors to prevent counterfeit drugs from reaching consumers.
(Filed 3/16/05; did not pass by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Counter, Whole |
CT
HB 7000
Appropriations Committee
|
FY 2006 budget implementation law includes provision that (§18) clarifies that "Medicaid coverage will be provided for prescription drugs that are not Medicare Part D drugs," as defined in the MMA.
Also provides (§21) that ConnPACE subsidy eligibility includes individuals eligible for Medicare Part D; also provides "The Department of Social Services shall pay Medicare Part D monthly beneficiary premiums on behalf of the beneficiary. If a Medicare Part D beneficiary's out-of-pocket copayment, coinsurance or deductible requirements exceed the ConnPACE copayment requirements, the department shall make payment to the pharmacy to cover costs in excess of the ConnPACE copayment amount. The department shall be responsible for payment of a Medicare Part D covered prescription drug obtained during the gap in standard Medicare Part D coverage"; also provides for use of "the lower of the price that would be paid under the ConnPACE program or the negotiated price established by the PDP" to the extent allowed by federal law. Requires eligible ConnPACE enrollees to apply for Medicare Part D benefits; also authorizes the state to be the authorized representative of a ConnPACE applicant or recipient for applying for Part D benefits; also provides that in some situations "the department shall enroll the applicant or recipient in a Medicare Part D plan designated by the commissioner;" also provides (§4) that "no dispensing fee shall be issued for a prescription drug dispensed to a ConnPACE or Medicaid recipient who is a Medicare Part D beneficiary when the prescription drug is a Medicare Part D drug, as defined in the federal MMA.
Repeals 2004-5 state provisions for endorsed Medicare discount cards as of 2006.
(Filed 4/8/05; passed House and Senate 6/8/05; became law as Public Act No. 05-280, 6/27/05) |
M, MMA, S |
|
CT
SB 44
Sen. Prague |
Would require the state of Connecticut to pursue participation in a multi-state prescription drug bulk purchasing pool to increase the state's purchasing power by joining with other states to purchase prescription drugs.
(Filed 1/19/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Bulk |
|
CT
SB 45
Sen. Prague |
Would require the state of Connecticut to negotiate with Canadian pharmacies to allow ConnPACE participants to obtain covered prescription drugs from such pharmacies and to eliminate the co-payment charge for such drugs.
(Filed 1/19/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Imp |
|
CT
SB 46
Sen. Prague |
Would require the state of Connecticut to develop a system of bulk purchasing of prescription drugs by state agencies from Canadian pharmacies to lower state agencies' prescription drug costs through bulk purchasing from Canadian pharmacies.
(Filed and sent to committee 1/19/05; passed Senate; did not pass House by end of regular session 6/8/05) |
Bulk, Imp |
|
CT
SB 71
Sen. Crisco |
Would require all licensed pharmacists dispensing prescriptions at all pharmacies to include on the prescription label, at the request of the patient, information about the purpose for the drug.
(Filed 1/6/05 ; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Lab |
|
CT
SB 83
Sen. Crisco |
(Original bill, deleted by Senate) Would require each drug retailer to disclose to each customer who purchases a prescribed drug the actual price paid by the drug retailer to the manufacturer or wholesaler for such drug to educate consumers about the cost and pricing of prescribed drugs. Also would require disclosure of retail price prior to purchases.
(Filed 1/10/05; passed Senate 6/6/05; passed House 6/8/05 with pharmaceutical provisions deleted and did not pass; 6/6/05) (Non-Rx version signed by governor 6/7/05) | |
Price |
|
CT
SB 126
Sen. Murphy |
Would establish a new prescription drug program that allows Connecticut health care consumers to purchase prescription drugs at a reduced cost from responsible, safe Canadian and European drug wholesalers and pharmacies.
(Filed 1/12/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Imp |
|
CT
SB 314
Sen. Meyer |
Would require the Department of Public Health to (1) negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for the purchase of prescription drugs at volume discount rates, (2) facilitate the purchase by Connecticut residents of prescription drugs from Canada at such discounted rates, and (3) establish quality control guidelines for such purchasing.
(Filed 1/19/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Bulk, D, Imp |
|
CT
SB 477
Sen. Gaffey |
Would require any retail sales transaction for prescription medication that is paid, in whole or in part, by insurance to include notification to the consumer regarding the amount that the insurer has paid to the retailer for such prescription.
(Filed 1/20/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Copay |
|
CT
SB 607
Hum. Services Comm. |
Would revise the governing statutes concerning the use of prior authorization procedures and preferred drug lists by the Department of Social Services or an entity that administers a Medicaid managed care health plan.
(Filed 1/20/05; did not pass by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
M |
|
CT
SB 655
Sen. Cappiello |
Would increase the prescription copays for state elected officials to save state funds, from $3 to $10 for generics and from $6 to $15 for brand name drugs.
(Filed 1/21/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Copay |
|
CT
SB 815
Sen. Hartley
|
Would require that, when a pharmacist substitutes a generic drug product for a prescribed drug product, the pharmacist shall clearly label the prescription container with the generic name of the drug product along with the name of the drug manufacturer.
(Filed 1/24/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Lab |
|
CT
SB 952
General Law Comm. |
Would effect the electronic Rx monitoring program, to facilitate the detection of improper or illegal use of prescription controlled substances.
(Filed 1/27/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
Monitor |
|
CT
SB 1226
Hum. Services Comm. |
Would affect the prior authorization and substitution of prescription drugs in medical assistance programs and ConnPACE.
(Filed 3/2/05; did not pass committee by end of regular session 6/8/05) | |
S, M |
|
CT
SB 1236
Pub. Health Comm. |
Would require the state to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the state of Illinois; allows all Connecticut residents to purchase prescription drugs through the I-Save-Rx prescription drug reimportation program.
(Filed 2/2/05; favorable committee reports 5/18/05; did not pass by end of regular session 6/8/05) |
Imp |
CT
SB 2500
|
Authorizes the state to cover prescriptions when Medicare payment cannot be adjudicated during the start-up phase of Part D in January-February 2006. Applies to dual-eligibles and ConnPACE enrollees.
(Filed; passed Senate and House, signed into law by governor 12/1/05) |
MMA, S |
|
DE
HB 33
Rep. Miro |
Allows a pharmacist to put the symptom or purpose for the drug being prescribed on the drug container label, but only if a practitioner indicates that the patient or their authorized representative requests information on the label.
(Filed 1/25/05; passed House 6/21/05; passed Senate in final form 6/30/05; signed into law by governor 7/7/05) |
Label |
|
DE
HB 39
Rep. George |
Would require health insurers to cover the cost of prescriptions as ordered by an insured's doctor, even if a substitute drug exists, when the doctor justifies the need for the drug, as prescribed. The justification form will be created by the Medical Society of Delaware and representatives of the insurance industry and must be in use by January 1, 2006.
(Filed 2/4/05; did not pass committee 6/30/05) |
Brand, - |
|
DE
HB 45
Rep. Spence |
Would prohibit the Department of Health and Social Services from establishing co-payments for pharmaceutical services unless such co-payments that cannot be collected from certain needy individuals pursuant to Federal law are to be paid by the State.
(Filed 2/4/05; did not pass committee 6/30/05) |
M, S |
|
DE
HB 93
Rep. Spence |
Would ensure that changes to or restrictions in pharmaceutical benefits provided to Medicaid patients are expressly authorized by the General Assembly.
(Filed 3/22/05; passed House 3/22/05; did not pass Senate committee 6/30/05 |
Brand, M |
|
DE
SB 18
Sen. McBride |
Amends the Delaware Prescription Drug Payment program (DPAP) to reflect the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit in January, 2006. Would not change the benefits currently available to DPAP participants, with a cap of $2,500 in benefits per year. Specifies that the Medicare benefit will be the primary source of benefits for those who are eligible for it, but allows for Medicare participants who are otherwise eligible for DPAP assistance to cover gaps left by the Medicare program, including dedictibles, premiums, and prescription costs when necessary. Enrollee copayments will range from a minimum of $5 up to 25 percent of the acquisition cost.
(Filed; passed by Senate 3/15/05; passed House 4/19/05; signed into law by governor 4/26/05) |
MMA, S |
|
DE
SB 48
Sen. Sorenson |
Would require prescriptions to be written legibly so that pharmacists filling them can do so accurately and thereby avoid potential harm to the consumer.
(Filed 3/22/05, passed Senate 6/15/05; passed House 6/28/05; signed into law by governor 7/12/05) |
Label |
DC
B16-0114
Councilman Catania |
Would make it an illegal trade practice to charge excessive amounts for prescription drugs. The District would compare the local prices to prices in Europe, Canada, Australia and other "high-income" nations and defines "excessive" as being 30 percent over the comparative price in Germany, Canada, Australia or the United Kingdom. District consumers would be given the right to sue manufacturers for overcharging.
(Deleted from final version): The District also could mandate manufacturers to to allow the District to license its products to other manufacturers, termed the "Prescription Drug Compulsary Manufacture License Act."
Filed 2/1/05; passed first reading 5/3/05; passed final reading 9/20/05; enacted into law by mayor as A16-0171, 10/4/05)
|| News release on final vote , 9/20/05 || A court injunction issued December 2005 has blocked implementation of this law. |
Price |
FL
S 2600
Ways & Means Comm. |
FY '05-06 final budget includes $197,138,041 for Medicare Part D payments for the phased down state contribution or "clawback" beginning January 2006.
(Passed Senate 4/7/05; passed House & conference 5/6; signed into law by governor as Chapter 2005-70, 5/26/05) |
|
MMA |
|
FL
| |
