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Jun 21
  • In-Person Event

Prescription Drug Peer Learning Group

  • Wednesday, June 21, 2023
    • In-Person Event
View Event Details:

This invitational meeting—hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), with support from Arnold Ventures—brings state legislators together to learn about and discuss promising state strategies to address prescription drug issues, as well as share their experiences. 

Learning Group Objectives: 

  • Increase knowledge about state issues, identify opportunities for states. 
  • Learn about strategies and policy options to affect prescription drug affordability and access. 
  • Network with legislators from other states who have an interest in prescription drug policy. 
  • Share your concerns, interests, and policy successes in your own state. 

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Registration and Breakfast

Breakfast will be available starting at 7:30 a.m.

8:30-9 a.m.

Opening Remarks, Introductions and Trivia

Moderator: Colleen Becker, NCSL

9-9:15 a.m.

Overview

Moderator: Colleen Becker, NCSL

[Presentation]

9:15-10:15 a.m. 

Insulin Affordability: What’s Next?

The price and cost of insulin has long been in the national spotlight and Congress, state policymakers and manufacturers have pursued actions in response to these trends. Although these policies provided insulin affordability for millions of Americans, some people with diabetes still face barriers. This session will dive deeper into these policies and what next steps for lawmakers might look like.

Moderator: NCSL

10:15-10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Caught in the Middle

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) administer the prescription drug benefit for health plans of both public and private payers. But these drug market middlemen are facing increasing scrutiny by both state and federal lawmakers. This session will focus on the role of these ‘behind-the-scenes’ organizations, the impact they have on the supply chain and reform efforts states have undertaken.

Moderator: NCSL

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lunch

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Price and Cost Transparency

Legislative interest in drug price transparency has steadily grown over the past decade. What have states learned from these programs? What steps can lawmakers consider next? The answers to these questions, and more, will be discussed during this session.

Moderator: NCSL

1:30-2:30 p.m.

Prescription Drug Affordability Boards

States are considering a variety of policies to study the cost of prescription drugs. Establishing a prescription drug affordability board, or PDAB, is one strategy being pursued. During this session, attendees will talk about the pros and cons of PDABs, as well as opportunities and challenges encountered by states who have implemented them.

Moderator: NCSL

2:30-2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45-3:45 p.m.

Containing Prescription Drug Costs in Medicaid

Many new therapies are coming to market, but often come with significant price tags. Some studies show that these medicines account for over half of the total amount spent on prescription drugs by the Medicaid program, posing significant affordability and cost challenges for states. This session will focus on how some states have approached this issue.

Moderator: NCSL

3:45-4 p.m.

Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Moderator: Colleen Becker, NCSL
Sponsors
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