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A
number
of states have introduced legislation to promote use
of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. It remains
to be seen which bills will become law, but the number
of states that have introduced 340B-related legislation
in 2006 indicates an increased awareness by state
lawmakers of the need to fully utilize the 340B Drug
Pricing Program. Current
state activity follows:
Alaska
HB 453
Session: 2006 (1/9/06 thru 5/9/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/13/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing
Summary:
HB 453 relates to prescription drug discount pricing;
placing requirements on pharmacies related to prescription
drugs obtained through discount pricing; and requiring
the Department of Health and Social Services to conduct
a study pertaining to prescription drug discounts
and report the results to the legislature. A covered
entity may not purchase a covered outpatient drug
for a price that is higher than the average manufacturer
price for the drug established under title XIX of
the Social Security Act in the preceding calendar
quarter, reduced by the rebate percentage described
under Title III, Part D, Subpart VII, sec. 340B.
Alaska
HB 455
Session: 2006 (1/9/06 thru 5/9/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/13/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 455 requires the use of generic drugs except in
certain circumstances and authorizes specified terms
on a prescription.
Arizona
SB 1442
Intro Date: 1/30/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:373;
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 1442, as amended on March 14, 2006, retains original
text, but revises eligibility requirements for programs
for uninsured persons. It requires the person have
been a resident of the state for at least twenty-four
months before the person submits an application, and
that the person be a citizen of the United States
or a legal resident. It requires the person not have
received certain services at any time within twenty-four
months before the person submits an application.
SB 1442, as introduced, establishes a temporary medical
coverage program under the AZ Health Cost Containment
System Administration. The measure, beginning October
1, 2006, establishes eligibility for the program for
any uninsured person who meets specified requirements
and all covered services shall be provided by health
plans that have contracts with the administration
or by a qualifying plan.
Arizona
SB 1535
Session: 47th Legislature, Second Regular Session
- 2006 (1/9/06 thru 3/21/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/31/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Senator
Jorge Luis Garcia (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 1535 pertains to general appropriations but specifies
funding for the community health centers and Medicaid
special exemption payments, and state employee health
insurance. The bill specifies that the amount appropriated
for state employee health insurance adjustments for
fiscal year 2006-2007 increases in the employer share
of state employee health insurance premiums, and the
amount appropriated for state employee retirement
contribution adjustments for fiscal year 2006-2007
increases in the employer share of state employee
retirement contributions.
California
AB 1807
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Recess
until 8/6/06)
Intro Date: 1/10/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/12/2006 PubAct:74
Subject: Prescription Drug Pricing; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
AB 1807, as amended on June 27, 2006, provides for
the Omnibus Health Trailer bill for the Budget Act
of 2006 and contains necessary changes to implement
the Budget Act of 2006. This bill makes changes to
conform state statute with recent federal law changes
made pursuant to the federal Deficit Reduction Act
of 2006 regarding the verification of citizenship
for individuals currently enrolled in the Medi-Cal
Program and individuals who are applying for enrollment
into the Medi-Cal Program. This bill requires that
when conducting outreach activities for the enrollment
of special needs populations into the Medi-Cal Managed
Care Program, the DHS and its contractors, as deemed
applicable by the department, shall work with state,
local and regional organizations with the ability
to target low-income seniors and individuals with
disabilities in the communities where they live. The
Budget Bill contains $1.1 million ($550,000 General
Fund) for this purpose. This bill provides technical,
clarifying language for the Genetically Handicapped
Persons Program and the California Children Services
Program to receive manufacturer drug rebates as provided
for under the Medi-Cal Program. The Budget Bill assumes
receipt of $3 million in drug rebate funds from this
action. This bill makes legislative findings and declarations
that in order for counties to do the work that is
expected of them, it is necessary for them to receive
adequate funding to ensure that counties can meet
performance standards and provide effective administration
of the Medi-Cal program at the local level. The Budget
Bill provides a cost-of-doing business to the counties
for the administration of the Medi-Cal Program in
order to maintain county performance standards. This
bill would establish rates for the PACE program to
be funded at 90 percent of the average Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service
level. The Budget Bill provides $2 million (General
Fund) for this purpose. This bill requires the DHS
to report to the Legislature by no later than March
15, 2006, on Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service rates as specified.
In addition, it enables the DHS to use up to $600,000
($300,000) for a contractor to assist with data collection
and analysis. This bill requires the Managed Risk
Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB) to report to the Legislature
regarding an independent analysis being conducted
on the supplemental mental health services provided
under the Healthy Families Program. This bill provides
for, to the extent funds are appropriated in the annual
Budget Act, the Department of Developmental Services
(DDS) to provide rate increases for the purpose of
enhancing wages for direct care staff in day programs,
and work activity programs that meet certain criteria
as described. This bill requires for all Regional
Center vendors as specified to ensure that billing
information provided to Regional Centers contains
specific billing information as noted in order for
the DDS to collect appropriate federal reimbursement
under the Home and Community-Based Waiver.
California
SB 1448
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Recess
until 8/6/06)
Intro Date: 2/23/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/18/2006 PubAct:76
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access
Summary:
SB 1448, as amended June 29, 2006, implements a portion
of the federally approved demonstration project waiver
relating to the expansion of Medi-Cal managed care
enrollment and the extension of health care coverage
to individuals currently uninsured. The bill, in implementation
of that waiver and subject to federal financial participation,
enacts the Health Care Coverage Initiative for the
purpose of extending health care coverage to those
individuals. The bill requires that the initiative
be designed and implemented to achieve specified outcomes,
including expanding the number of Californians who
have health care coverage. It requires the department
to allocate the federal funds available to be claimed,
and to select participating programs that best meet
the requirements and desired outcomes of the initiative.
The measure provides that a county, city and county,
consortium of more than one county, or health authority
is eligible to apply for the initiative funds; specifies
application requirements; and, requires the department
to select at least 5 entities and to seek to balance
the allocations throughout geographic areas of the
state. Allocations are for a 3-year period, and selected
entities are required to provide local funds or intergovernmental
transfers necessary to claim federal funds. The legislation
requires that federal funds under the initiative supplement,
and not supplant, funds otherwise used for health
care services, and it limits the amount of funds that
may be used for program administration. The measure
requires that the department, in consultation with
any of specified entities, evaluate the initiative,
and requires that the department monitor the programs
funded under the initiative for compliance with applicable
requirements. The bill provides that the provisions
governing the initiative shall become inoperative
on the date that the director executes a declaration
stating that the federal demonstration project waiver
has been terminated by the federal Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services, and shall, 6 months after the
date the declaration is executed, be repealed. The
bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund and
$200,000 from the Federal Trust Fund to the State
Department of Health Services for these purposes.
California
AB 2282
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/22/06
Progress: Passed House
Subject: Covered Entities - Other
Summary:
Federally-qualified health centers. An act to amend
Section 650 of the Business and Professions Code,
and to amend Section 14107.2 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code, relating to health facilities. This bill would
provide that the offer, delivery, receipt, or acceptance
of any consideration between a federally-Qualified
health center, as defined, and any individual or entity
providing goods, items, services, donations, loans,
or a combination thereof to the health center is not
unlawful if the transaction otherwise is consistent
with a specified federal law and meets certain requirements,
including contributing to the ability of the health
center to maintain or increase the availability or
enhance the quality of services provided to a medically
underserved population. This bill would also exempt
from the above criminal provisions the offer, delivery,
receipt, or acceptance of any consideration between
a federally-Qualified health center, as defined, and
any individual or entity providing goods, items, services,
donations, loans, or a combination thereof, to the
health center entity pursuant to an agreement if that
agreement contributes to the ability of the health
center entity to maintain or increase the availability,
or enhance the quality, of services provided to a
medically underserved population served by the health
center, and if the transaction otherwise meets the
requirements of specified provisions of federal law.
California
SB 1427
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/22/06
Progress: Passed Senate
Subject: Covered Entities - Other
Summary:
Medi-Cal: federally qualified health centers. An act
to add Section 14132.103 to the Welfare and Institutions
Code, relating to Medi-Cal. Existing law provides
for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by
the State Department of Health Services and under
which health care services are provided to qualified
low-Income persons. Federally qualified health center
(FQHC) services described under federal law are covered
Medi-Cal benefits. Existing law includes within the
definition of an FQHC certain entities known as FQHC
look-Alikes, which have been determined to meet specified
funding requirements, but have not received that funding.
Existing law requires that FQHCs be reimbursed on
a per-Visit basis, and allows an FQHC to apply for
an adjustment to its per-Visit rate based on a change
in the scope of services it provides. This bill would
authorize the provision of FQHC services, as described
under federal law, to an FQHC patient, as defined,
by certain qualified health professionals, at locations
other than an FQHC's primary care clinic site, under
designated circumstances.
California
SB 1520
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/23/06
Progress: Passed Senate
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
Medi-Cal: hospital funding demonstration project:
Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal Hospital/Uninsured
Care Demonstration Project Act, which revises hospital
reimbursement methodologies under the Medi-Cal program
in order to maximize the use of federal funds consistent
with federal Medicaid law and stabilize the distribution
of funding for hospitals that provide care to Medi-Cal
beneficiaries and uninsured patients. This demonstration
project provides for funding, in supplementation of
Medi-Cal reimbursement, to various hospitals, including
designated public hospitals, as defined in accordance
with certain provisions relating to disproportionate
share hospitals, and which include specified University
of California hospitals.
California
SB 19
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 12/6/04
Progress: Died/Killed
Sponsor: Senator
Deborah V. Ortiz (D)
Subject: 340B Program; Medicare Drug Bill; Prescription
Drug Pricing; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 19, as amended April 18, 2005, establishes the
California State Pharmacy Assistance Program (Cal
Rx). The bill authorizes implementation of and
administration of Cal Rx through a contract with a
3rd-party vendor or utilizing existing health care
service provider enrollment and payment mechanisms.
The bill requires attempts to negotiate manufacturer
rebate agreements for Cal Rx with drug manufacturers.
The bill authorizes any licensed pharmacy and any
drug manufacturer, as defined, to provide services
under Cal Rx. The bill establishes eligibility criteria
and application procedures for California residents
to participate in Cal Rx. Also establishes the California
State Pharmacy Assistance Program Fund into which
all payments received under Cal Rx are deposited...(Please
see bill detail)
California
AB 3070
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 3/15/06
Progress: Passed House Committee
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
Existing law provides for the Medi-Cal program, which
is administered by the State Department of Health
Services and under which qualified low-Income persons
receive health care benefits. The Medi-Cal program
is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid
provisions. Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal
Hospital/Uninsured Care Demonstration Project Act,
which revises hospital reimbursement methodologies
under the Medi-Cal program in order to maximize the
use of federal funds consistent with federal Medicaid
law and stabilize the distribution of funding for
hospitals that provide care to Medi-Cal beneficiaries
and uninsured patients. This demonstration project
provides for funding, in supplementation of Medi-Cal
reimbursement, to various hospitals, including designated
public hospitals, nondesignated public hospitals ,
and private hospitals , as defined in accordance with
certain provisions relating to disproportionate share
hospitals. Existing law provides for the payment of
safety net care pool funds to designated public hospitals,
or governmental entities with which they are affiliated,
pursuant to the demonstration project.
California
SB 458
Session: 2005-2006 (12/6/04 thru 8/31/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/18/05
Progress: Passed Senate
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access
Summary:
SB 458, as amended on June 27, 2005, authorizes until
January 1, 2009, a pilot project in which up to 200,000
employees at any one time may be enrolled, and for
which nonprofit community health centers, nonprofit
primary care clinics, nonprofit federally qualified
health centers, and look-alikes, may accept prepayment
from an administering health care service plan or
health insurer for provider services for up to one
month at a time. The bill would require that, before
January 1, 2009, an evaluation of the coverage provided
pursuant to the pilot project be submitted to the
Legislature.
Colorado
HB 1252
Session: 2006 (1/11/06 thru 5/10/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/31/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Representative
K. Jerry Frangas (D)
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing;
State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 1252 establishes the Colorado Cares Rx program
within the Department of Public Health and Environment
to allow an eligible person, any political subdivision
of the state, and any business to purchase prescription
drugs at the discounted rate negotiated by the entity
administering the program. The measure defines the
eligibility criteria and requires the department to
contract with one or more entities to implement and
administer the program. The bill also creates the
Colorado Rx clearinghouse to provide access to medically
necessary prescription drugs through patient assistance
programs sponsored by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers,
drug wholesalers, or retail pharmacies and the program.
The bill establishes the requirements of the administering
entity in developing and administering the clearinghouse
and in serving rural and underserved communities,
specifying that the clearinghouse shall also provide
assistance to an individual in obtaining Medicare.
The bill requires state public departments 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.
Colorado
HB 1310
Session: 2006 (1/11/06 thru 5/10/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/3/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Representative
Bernie Buescher (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 1310 bases the appropriation to the state auditor's
office for review of programs that receive tobacco
settlement moneys on the amount of tobacco settlement
moneys received in the preceding calendar year, rather
than the preceding fiscal year. This includes funding
for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
Colorado
SB 44
Intro Date: 1/11/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:N/A
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 44 establishes the Colorado primary care program
for the purpose of providing primary care services
to specified low-income, uninsured adults who have
a qualifying medical condition, including four prescription
drug prescriptions per month. FQHCs shall provide
primary care services for beneficiaries. The bill
also establishes the Colorado Health Care Services
Fund for the program.
Colorado
HB 1252
Intro Date: 1/31/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Representative
K. Jerry Frangas (D)
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing;
State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 1252 establishes the Colorado Cares Rx program
within the Department of Public Health and Environment
to allow an eligible person, any political subdivision
of the state, and any business to purchase prescription
drugs at the discounted rate negotiated by the entity
administering the program. The measure defines the
eligibility criteria and requires the department to
contract with one or more entities to implement and
administer the program. The bill also creates the
Colorado Rx clearinghouse to provide access to medically
necessary prescription drugs through patient assistance
programs sponsored by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers,
drug wholesalers, or retail pharmacies and the program.
The bill establishes the requirements of the administering
entity in developing and administering the clearinghouse
and in serving rural and underserved communities,
specifying that the clearinghouse shall also provide
assistance to an individual in obtaining Medicare.
The bill requires state public departments 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.
Colorado
SB 44
Intro Date: 1/11/06
Progress: Passed Senate Committee
Sponsor: Senator
Bob Hagedorn (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 44 establishes the Colorado primary care program
for the purpose of providing primary care services
to specified low-income, uninsured adults who have
a qualifying medical condition, including four prescription
drug prescriptions per month. FQHCs shall provide
primary care services for beneficiaries. The bill
also establishes the Colorado Health Care Services
Fund for the program.
Connecticut
HB 5820
Intro Date: 3/15/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct: 06-196
Subject: Prescription Drug Pricing
Summary:
HB 5820 makes various technical changes concerning
grammar, clarity, accuracy of internal references
and consistency in the general statutes and the 2006
supplement to the general statutes. Technical corrections
are made to sections addressing issues including insurance
for physicians, hospitals, and advanced practice nurses.
The Department of Social Services, in consultation
with the Connecticut Pharmacists Association and the
Connecticut Association of Community Pharmacies, shall
review the impact of the implementation of average
manufacturer price reimbursement methodology that
shall take effect on January 1, 2007, as required
under the federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Such
review shall include, but not be limited to, the financial
impact of the required change in pharmacy reimbursement
received under the Medicaid fee-for-service program
and recommendations for potential changes in the dispensing
fee, both for brand name drugs and generic drug products.
Connecticut
SB 648
Intro Date: 3/9/06
Progress: Passed House Committee; Passed Senate Committee
Sponsor: Public Health Committee
Subject: 340B Program
Summary:
An act concerning low cost prescription drugs. Purpose:
To provide grants to federally qualified health centers
for operational costs associated with establishing
or expanding affordable pharmaceutical drug programs.
The Department of Social Services shall establish
a grant program to provide assistance to federally
qualified health centers that have established or
expanded, or are in the process of establishing or
expanding, a pharmaceutical drug program for low-income,
elderly and disabled individuals and families, and
recipients of state-administered general assistance.
The grants shall be used for operational and administrative
costs associated with establishing or expanding the
drug program and for programmatic costs.
Connecticut
SB 79
Session: 2006 (2/8/06 thru 5/3/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/14/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Senator
Toni Nathaniel Harp (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 79 provides that any hospital in the state with
an affiliated physician group that refuses to treat
Medicaid beneficiaries shall receive a corresponding
reduction to such hospital's medical assistance disproportionate
share payment.
Connecticut
SB 265
Session: 2006 (2/8/06 thru 5/3/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/17/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Senator
Eric D. Coleman (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 265 provides funding for community health centers.
Delaware
SB 297
Session: 143rd Delaware General Assembly - 2006 (1/10/06
thru 6/30/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 4/14/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/6/2006 PubAct:75:363
Subject: Medicare Drug Bill; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 297 increases the maximum annual benefit under
the Prescription Drug Payment Assistance Program to
assist eligible individuals in the purchase of prescription
drugs and the payment of certain Medicare Part D costs
from $2,500 to $3,000.
Florida
HB 371 (SB 1310)
Intro Date: 3/7/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:2006-310
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 371, as amended on May 5, 2006, clarifies pedigree
requirements for drug distribution. As amended on
January 11, 2006, creates the Cancer Drug Donation
Program Act. The bill provides conditions for donation
and acceptance of cancer drugs and supplies into the
program. It also requires a physician's office, pharmacy,
hospital, hospice, or health care clinic that accepts
donated drugs and supplies through the program to
comply with certain state and federal laws. Liability
protections for manufacturers donating products.
Florida
HB 503
Session: 2006 (3/7/06 thru 5/5/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/7/06
Progress: Died/Killed
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 503 provides for the reduction of the annual assessment
imposed on revenues of hospitals' outpatient services.
It also provides for the future repeal of these assessments.
Florida
HB 865 (SB 2588)
Session: 2006 (3/7/06 thru 5/5/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/7/06
Progress: FAILED TO PASS Died/Killed
Subject: Covered Entities - Other
Summary:
HB 865, as amended on March 28, 2006, creates an exemption
through a refund of previously paid sales taxes for
the purchase and use of medical equipment and supplies
by a health care facility providing primary care services
to the uninsured and located in an enterprise zone.
The bill provides the following: (1) A definition
of "medical equipment", "medical supplies"
and "health care facility"; (2) A limit
on the property subject to refund of the first $500,000
of medical equipment and supplies purchased and used
by a facility any taxable year; (3) Procedures for
application for and approval of eligibility for tax
exemption; (4) Rulemaking authority for the Department
of Revenue (DOR); (5) Assessment of penalties and
interest in the event DOR determines medical equipment
or supplies for which a refund is sought has been
used outside an enterprise zone; and, (6) Revision
of Enterprise Zone Development Authority boards to
allow appointment of a person who is employed in the
health care field.
Florida
HB 5001
Session: 2006 (3/7/06 thru 5/5/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/31/06
Progress: Passed House; Passed Senate
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; Medicare
Drug Bill; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 5001 provides for appropriations for annual period
beginning July 1, 2006, and ending June 30, 2007,
to pay salaries and other expenses, capital outlay,
such as buildings and other improvements, and for
other specified purposes of the various agencies of
state government. The bill provides funds for the
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind to contract
with the University of Florida for health, medical,
pharmaceutical and dental screening services for students.
The school shall develop a collaborative service agreement
for medical services and shall maximize the recovery
of all legally available funds from Medicaid and private
insurance coverage. The legislation provides appropriations
for the Florida KidCare program and services; disproportionate
share hospital (DSH) payments; Medicare Part D payments;
various other components of the Medicaid program reform
initiatives; the preferred drug list for the state
employee health plan. The measure authorizes and makes
appropriations for the Agency for Health Care Administration
(AHCA) to contract for assistance in obtaining grants
as they relate to the advancement of electronic medical
records in the state. The measure appropriates money
for telemedicine initiatives and nursing education
programs.
Florida
HB 7215
Session: 2006 (3/7/06 thru 5/5/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/31/06
Progress: FAILED TO PASS Died/Killed
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access
Summary:
Rural Health
Care; revises purpose & functions of Office of
Rural Health in DOH; revises provisions re governance
& organization of rural health networks; establishes
grant program for funding rural health networks; removes
emergency care hospitals & essential access community
hospitals from certain licensure requirements; establishes
Office of Minority Health; provides legislative intent,
etc. Amends FS. EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/2006.
Florida
SB 2694
Session: 2006 (3/7/06 thru 5/5/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/29/06
Progress: FAILED TO PASS Died/Killed
Subject: Covered Entities - New Facilities/Programs;
Medicare Drug Bill
Summary:
Appropriations; provides moneys for annual period
beginning July 1, 2006, & ending June 30, 2007,
to pay salaries, & other expenses, capital outlay
- buildings, & other improvements, & for other
specified purposes of various agencies of State government;
funds for comprehensive health insurance and dental
care services to children under the Healthy Kids program;
development of a Federally Qualified Health Center
Provider Service Network in Dade county...
Georgia
HB 1507
Session: 2005-2006 Legislative Session - 2005-2006
(1/9/06 thru 3/8/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 3/1/06
Progress: N/A
Subject: Covered Entities - Other; Prescription Drug
Pricing
Summary:
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of
Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia
Annotated, relating to insurance generally, so as
to prohibit prior authorization for a prescription
drug which a drug manufacturer provides to a community
pharmacy at the lowest price of a pricing structure;
to provide for definitions; to provide for related
powers and duties; to repeal conflicting laws; and
for other purposes.
Hawaii
SB 3003
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/1/2006 PubAct:264
Subject: Prescription Drug Pricing; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 3003 extends income eligibility requirement to
two hundred per cent of the federal poverty level.
It requires the department to provide enrollees with
counseling about prescription drug plans. The bill
further repeals prescription drug rebate funding limitations.
Hawaii
HB 1992
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/20/06
Progress: Passed House Committee
Sponsor: Representative
Joshua B. Green (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 1992 increases the cigarette tax by 2. 5 cents
(per cigarette) to fund the maintenance and operation
of federally qualified community health centers.
Hawaii
HB 3133
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Passed House
Sponsor: Representative
Dennis A. Arakaki (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 3133 creates the community health center capital
improvements revolving fund. The bill also makes an
unspecified appropriation for the fund.
Hawaii
SB 3271
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Passed Senate Committee
Sponsor: Senator
Rosalyn H. Baker (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 3271 creates the community health center capital
improvements revolving fund to provide low interest
loans for maintenance, repair, and construction of
federally qualified community health centers. The
revolving fund shall be administered by the director
of human services.
Hawaii
HB 2589
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 Adjourned) Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Passed House; Passed Senate Committee
Subject: Covered Entities - Other
Summary:
HB 2589 establishes conditional prescriptive certificates
that authorizes qualified psychologists practicing
at federally qualified health centers or health clinics
located in a medically underserved area or a mental
health professional shortage area to prescribe psychotropic
medications.
Hawaii
HB 3142
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/12/2006 PubAct:305
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 3142 requires the distribution of a percentage
of disproportionate share of hospital payments to
the queen's medical center on an annual basis to ensure
the availability of physicians on-call for trauma
care. Effective for fiscal year 2006-2007 and each
year thereafter, the department of human services
shall distribute disproportionate share of hospital
payments to The Queen's Medical Center to provide
financial assistance to ensure the on-call availability
of physicians for trauma care; provided that the amount
of disproportionate share of hospital payments distributed
shall be fifty per cent of the amount of funds provided
to The Queen's Medical Center for fiscal year 2005-2006.
Hawaii
SB 3270
Session: 23rd Legislature - 2005-2006 (1/18/06 thru
5/4/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 1/25/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/1/2006 PubAct:297
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 3270 provides for reimbursement to federally qualified
health centers. The bill also appropriates funds to
DOH for direct medical services for uninsured, removes
the cap on QUEST enrollment, and appropriates funds
to accommodate quest coverage.
Hawaii
SCR 118
Session: 2006
Intro Date: 3/15/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:N/A
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
Requesting the department of budget and finance to
convene a task force to research avenues of appropriate
financing for capital improvements for federally qualified
health centers, including use of revolving loan funds.
Idaho
HB 663
Intro Date: 2/13/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/1/2006 PubAct:Chapter
305
Sponsor: Health and Welfare
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 663 establishes personal health accounts for Medicaid
participants. The bill further requires the Department
of Health and Welfare to establish enforceable cost
sharing that will assist Medicaid participants to
use the health system efficiently.
Idaho
HB 776
Intro Date: 3/7/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/1/2006 PubAct:Chapter
278
Sponsor: STATE AFFAIRS
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access
Summary:
MEDICAID SIMPLIFICATION ACT - Adds to existing law
relating to the Medicaid Simplification Act to provide
a short title; to state legislative intent; to provide
definitions; to provide powers and duties of the Director
of the Department of Health and Welfare; to provide
for medical assistance payments by the Department
of Health and Welfare to or on behalf of designated
categories of eligible persons; to permit the Department
of Health and Welfare to make payment for medically
necessary services furnished by providers to designate
categories of eligible participants; and to specify
the services for which payment may be made.
Idaho
HB 868
Session: 58th Legislature, Second Regular Session
- 2006 (1/9/06 thru 4/11/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 4/3/06
Progress: Approved Effective:7/1/2006 PubAct:Chapter
458
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 868 authorizes a transfer of funds; and appropriating
an additional $650,000 to the Physical Health Services
Program in the Department of Health and Welfare for
a rural health care access grant to Terry Reilly Health
Services for the development of a community health
center in Caldwell, Idaho.
Illinois
HB 4302
Intro Date: 1/4/06
Progress: Approved Effective:6/23/2006 PubAct: 94-0909
Subject: Medicare Drug Bill
Summary:
HB 4302, as amended on January 25, 2006, authorizes
the Department of Public Health to provide prescription
drug benefits counseling for persons with HIV or AIDS.
The bill amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons
Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance
Act. In provisions concerning the Illinois Seniors
and Disabled Drug Coverage Program, adds a 5th Eligibility
Group, on and after January 1, 2007, consisting of
beneficiaries who are otherwise described in Eligibility
Group 1 but are eligible for Medicare Part D and have
a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS. Provides that for individuals
in Eligibility Group 5, once the Illinois Seniors
and Disabled Drug Coverage Program and Medicare combined
have paid $1,750 in a year for covered prescription
drugs, the beneficiary shall pay 20% of the cost of
each prescription in addition to other co-payments
unless the drug is included in the formulary of the
Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program operated by
the Illinois Department of Public Health. Provides
that if the drug is included in that formulary, individuals
in Eligibility Group 5 shall continue to pay the co-payments
after the Program and Medicare combined have paid
$1,750 in a year for covered prescription drugs. Adds
a definition of "covered prescription drug"
for individuals in Eligibility Group 5.
Iowa
HB 2305
Session: 81st Iowa General Assembly, Second Regular
Session - 2006 (1/9/06 thru 4/18/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/8/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: Representative
Mary Mascher (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 2305 replaces the existing interagency pharmaceuticals
bulk purchasing council, which applied only to state
and local governments, with a pharmaceuticals purchasing
pool which applies to both state and local governmental
entities and small businesses. The bill creates the
pharmaceuticals purchasing pool within the Iowa department
of public health to provide a conduit for governmental
entities and small businesses to combine purchasing
capacity relating to pharmaceuticals. The bill creates
a pharmaceuticals purchasing pool council composed
of directors of specified agencies and of any other
agency that purchases pharmaceuticals, designated
to be included as a member by the director of public
health; including assessing disproportionate share
hospital and federally qualified health care centers
purchasing practices. The council also includes representatives
from county, city, and business organizations. Among
other things, the duties of the council are to develop
procedures that member governmental entities and small
businesses must follow in purchasing pharmaceuticals.
Kansas
HB 2869
Session: 2005-2006 Kansas Legislature Part 2 - 2006
(1/10/05 thru ???)
Intro Date: 2/9/06
Progress: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Subject: 340B Program; Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 2869 provides for appropriations for FY2007. Includes
a provision reappropriating $750,000 for prescription
support for community based primary care clinics.
Expenditures will be used for: (1) Purchase of drug
inventory under section 340B of the federal public
health service act for community health center grantees
and federally qualified health center look-alikes
who qualify; (2) increasing access to prescription
drugs by subsidizing a portion of the costs for the
benefit of patients at 340B participating clinics
on a sliding fee scale; and (3) expanding access to
prescription medication assistance programs by making
expenditures to support operating costs of assistance
programs at not-for-profit or publicly-funded primary
care clinics, including federally qualified community
health centers and federally qualified community health
center look-alikes as defined by 42 U.S.C. 330, that
provide comprehensive primary health care services,
offer sliding fee discounts based upon household income
and serve any person regardless of ability to pay.
Policies determining patient eligibility due to income
or insurance status may be determined by each community
but must be clearly documented and posted.
Kansas
HB 2968
Session: 2005-2006 Kansas Legislature Part 2 - 2006
(1/9/06 thru 5/25/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/21/06
Progress: Approved-Vetoed Effective:N/A PubAct:N/A
Subject: 340B Program; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 2968, as substituted on April 26, 2006, makes appropriations,
including funding for the business health partnership,
medical assistance, and other Kansas health policy
authority purposes. It provides funding for the heath
care stabilization fund.
HB 2968, as amended on March 16, 2006, requires state
health care benefits programs for prescription drug
coverage to allow participants to purchase a ninety-day
supply of prescription drugs from local pharmacies
at an equal or lesser cost than the cost to purchase
a ninety-day supply of prescription drugs through
the mail-order pharmacy program of the state health
care benefits program. It changes appropriations made
to the department of aging, and Medicaid.
HB 2968, as introduced, provides for appropriations
for FY 2007 for drug benefits and medical assistance
programs. It permits use of certain appropriated funds
for the purchase of medical malpractice insurance.
Kansas
SB 84
Session: 2005-2006 Kansas Legislature Part 2 - 2006
(1/10/05 thru ???, 2005 Carried Over to 2006)
Intro Date: 1/24/05
Progress: Passed House Committee; Passed Senate
Sponsor: Senator
James A. Barnett (R)
Subject: 340B Program
Summary:
SB 84, as amended March 22 2005, appropriates funds
to the Department of Health and Environment for prescription
support for community based primary care clinics.
Expenditures will be used for: (1) Purchase of drug
inventory under section 340B of the federal public
health service act for community health center grantees
and federally qualified health center look-alikes
who qualify; (2) increasing access to prescription
drugs by subsidizing a portion of the costs for the
benefit of patients at 340B participating clinics
on a sliding fee scale; and (3) expanding access to
prescription medication assistance programs by funding
such programs at not-for-profit or publicly-funded
primary care clinics, including federally qualified
community health centers and federally qualified community
health center look-alikes, that provide comprehensive
primary health care services, offer sliding fee discounts
based upon household income and serve any person regardless
of ability to pay.
Kansas
SB 573
Session: 2005-2006 Kansas Legislature Part 2 - 2006
(1/9/06 thru 5/25/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/20/06
Progress: FAILED TO PASS Died/Killed
Subject: 340B Program; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 573, as amended on March 23, 2006, changing provisions
making appropriations to the Generic drug program,
medical assistance, children's health insurance program,
Health insurance premium reserve fund, Preventive
health care program fund, and Health care access improvement
fund.
Kansas
SB 84
Intro Date: 1/24/05
Progress: Passed House; Passed Senate
Sponsor: Senator
James A. Barnett (R)
Subject: 340B Program
Summary:
SB 84, as amended March 22, appropriates funds to
the Department of Health and Environment for prescription
support for community based primary care clinics.
Expenditures will be used for: (1) Purchase of drug
inventory under section 340B of the federal public
health service act for community health center grantees
and federally qualified health center look-alikes
who qualify; (2) increasing access to prescription
drugs by subsidizing a portion of the costs for the
benefit of patients at 340B participating clinics
on a sliding fee scale; and (3) expanding access to
prescription medication assistance programs by funding
such programs at not-for-profit or publicly-funded
primary care clinics, including federally qualified
community health centers and federally qualified community
health center look-alikes, that provide comprehensive
primary health care services, offer sliding fee discounts
based upon household income and serve any person regardless
of ability to pay.
Kansas
SB 270
Session: 2005-2006 Kansas Legislature Part 2 - 2006
(1/9/06 thru 5/25/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 2/17/05
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:N/A
Subject: 340B Program; Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 270, as amended on March 24, 2005, the measure
provided appropriations for state agencies and programs
during FY2006 and FY2007. The measure included funding
for various Medicaid programs and fraud and abuse
prevention initiatives, including the long term care
ombudsman; medical malpractice insurance premiums
for practitioners at state universities; student health
insurance premiums for state universities; and nursing
student loan programs. The legislation specified that
any unencumbered balance in the prescription support
for community based primary care clinics account in
excess of $100 as of June 30, 2006, is reappropriated
for fiscal year 2007. The expenditures were to be
made from the prescription support for community based
primary care clinics account for: (1) Purchase of
drug inventory under section 340B of the federal public
health service act for community health center grantees
and federally qualified health center look-alikes
who qualify; (2) increasing access to prescription
drugs by subsidizing a portion of the costs for the
benefit of patients at 340B participating clinics
on a sliding fee scale; and (3) expanding access to
prescription medication assistance programs by making
expenditures to support operating costs of assistance
programs at not-for-profit or publicly funded primary
care clinics, including federally qualified community
health centers and federally qualified community health
center look-alikes that provide comprehensive primary
health care services, offer sliding fee discounts
based upon household income and serve any person regardless
of ability to pay.
Louisiana
HB 1262
Intro Date: 4/18/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:801
Subject: Prescription Drug Pricing
Summary:
HB 1262 provides with respect to reimbursement of
prescription drugs; specifies that the Department
of Health and Hospitals (DHH) may limit ingredient
reimbursement under present law and further requires
DHH to reimburse a reasonable dispensing fee for all
drugs, not to be less than $15 per prescription.
Louisiana
SB 19
Intro Date: 3/9/06
Progress: Approved Effective:8/15/2006 PubAct:643
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
SB 19 requires Medicaid providers to donate to charitable
pharmacies or any entity approved for distribution
and charitable pharmacies to accept unused portions
of prescription drugs that are within the expiration
date. Such prescription drugs shall be dispensed,
in accordance with the determination of the pharmacist.
Louisiana
SB 679
Intro Date: 4/18/06
Progress: Approved Effective:8/15/2006 PubAct:627
Subject: Payment for Pharmacy Services
Summary:
HEALTH CARE:Defines "pharmacy collaborative drug
therapy management."
Louisiana
HB 2
Session: 2006 (3/27/06 thru 6/19/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 4/4/06
Progress: Passed House Committee
Subject: Covered Entities - New Facilities/Programs
Summary:
HB 2 provides for the comprehensive capital outlay
budget, including a new federally qualified health
care center and funds for primary care services to
the uninsured.
Maine
LD 1928 (SP 728)
Session: 122nd Legislature, Second Session - 2006
(1/4/06 thru 4/19/06 In Session)
Intro Date: 1/4/06
Progress: Died/Killed
Sponsor: Senator
Nancy B. Sullivan (D)
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
LD 1928 establishes an unused prescription drug program,
under which unused prescription drugs are accepted
and dispensed to low-income persons. According to
the bill, to be eligible for the program a person
must have a family income below 350% of the federal
poverty level, may not be receiving MaineCare prescription
drug benefits, must be a Maine resident and must have
a valid prescription for the drug to be dispensed.
The bill also stipulates that the program may accept
unused prescription drugs from drug manufacturers,
drug wholesale and terminal distributors, hospitals,
health clinics, federally qualified health centers,
Indian health centers and rural health centers and
assisted living facilities licensed by the Department
of Health and Human Services.
Maryland
HB 1701
Session: 421st Session of the General Assembly - 2006
(1/11/06 thru 4/10/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 3/6/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:503
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing
Summary:
Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance Program - Rebates -
Special Fund. Requiring the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene to distribute any rebates received
by the Department from the Maryland AIDS Drug Assistance
Program to a special fund to fund the Maryland AIDS
Drug Assistance Program.
Maryland
SB 110
Session: 421st Session of the General Assembly - 2006
(1/11/06 thru 4/10/06 Adjourned)
Intro Date: 1/18/06
Progress: Approved Effective:N/A PubAct:216
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
SB 110, as amended on March 17, 2006, makes the proposed
appropriations contained in the State Budget for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, in accordance with
Article III, Section 52 of the Maryland Constitution;
AIDS drug assistance program funds; funding for the
Maryland Health Insurance Plan and the Nurse Support
Program II.
Massachusetts
HB 5000
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
Adjourned)
Intro Date: 6/30/06
Progress: Approved-Vetoed Effective:N/A PubAct:139
Subject: 340B Program; Covered Entities - Funding;
Medicare Drug Bill; Prescription Drug Pricing; State-Provided
Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 5000 makes appropriations for the fiscal year 2007
for the maintenance of the departments; Medicaid program,
fraud control unit; DSH payments, pharmacy assistance
program; Medicare Part D coordination for pharmacy
benefits; and state employee health and dental plans.
It provides that not less than $60,000 shall be provided
to Project Cope, Inc., in Lynn for the prevention
and education of the problems associated with Oxycontin
and heroine use; boards, medical malpractice tribunals;
telemedicine project; chronic care and case management
services for the elderly. It prohibits the department
of public health from expending more than $1,900,000
from revenues received from pharmaceutical manufacturers
participating in the section 340B rebate program administered
by the federal health resources and services administration
and office of drug pricing. It provides funding for
commissions, institutions and certain activities of
the Commonwealth; a federally-funded diabetes control
program; for interest, sinking fund and serial bond
requirements and for certain permanent improvements.
It provides funds for the Massachusetts Nursing and
Allied Health Workforce Development Initiative, to
develop and support strategies that increase the number
of Massachusetts public higher education faculty members
and students who participate in programs that support
careers in fields related to nursing and allied health.
Massachusetts
HB 5057
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
Adjourned)
Intro Date: 6/15/06
Progress: Approved-Vetoed Effective:N/A PubAct:123
Subject: State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 5057 makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal
year 2006 for the purpose of funding one-time costs
for certain capital spending, public investment, and
bonded debt of the commonwealth. It indicates the
Governor's disapproval for a special commission to
study what economic incentive would be created by
criteria intended to provide enhanced access to the
commonwealth's MassHealth preferred drug list for
in-state pharmaceutical companies. The special commission
would consider the potential benefit to the commonwealth
of offering such enhanced access to in-state affiliates
of out-of-state pharmaceutical companies whether or
not those affiliates manufacture drugs in the commonwealth.
The commission would examine the current criteria
that the office of Medicaid uses to determine access
to the preferred drug list and shall determine whether
the office has taken any action that unduly restricts
access to drugs that are manufactured by in-state
pharmaceutical companies.
Massachusetts
HB 2615 (HD 121)
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 1/26/05
Progress: Passed House Committee
Subject: Covered Entities - New Facilities/Programs
Summary:
HB 2615 establishes a two year pilot program to provide
access to health care and social services within the
Executive Office of Health and Human Services; eliminate
informational, cultural, ethnic, and social barriers
that keep people from using available health and social
services; and help citizens act to improve the health
and safety of communities. It requires the program
to link families and individuals to various health
care and social services available to the community.
It makes an appropriation to support the program and
requires reports.
Massachusetts
HB 2692 (HD 2520)
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 1/26/05
Progress: Passed House Committee
Subject: Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access
Summary:
HB 2692 increases access to community health centers.
It provides that a community health center must be
reimbursed by the division of medical assistance for
the reasonable cost of its services; a community health
center which provides MassHealth services through
contracts with certain entities shall receive a supplemental
payment from the division of medical assistance for
any shortfall between the reasonable cost of its services
and the amount it received through such managed care
contracts; and certain entities with a managed care
contract with the division of medical assistance shall
be funded by the division of medical assistance under
such contract at a level which will enable such an
entity to pay for no less than
the reasonable cost of services provided by
the community health centers with which it contracts.
Massachusetts
HB 2700 (HD 2613)
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 1/26/05
Progress: N/A
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing
Summary:
HB 2700 directs the Executive Office of Health and
Human Services to require that all programs, clinics,
hospitals and other health-related centers and entities
that are eligible under Section 340B of the federal
Public Health Service Act, must participate in the
Section 340B federal prescription drug price discount
program, with exceptions.
The measure authorizes an entity eligible to participate
in the 340B prescription drug discount program to
contract with a pharmacy to provide pharmacy services
to that eligible entity including dispensing preferentially
priced drugs. The legislation requires contracts between
those eligible entities and pharmacies to comply with
guidelines published by the Health Resources and Services
Administration and to be available for inspection
by board staff during normal business hours. The bill
requires certain drug received by a pharmacy to be
segregated from the pharmacy's other drug stock by
either physical or electronic means. The measure requires
all records of acquisition and disposition of these
drugs to be readily retrievable in a form separate
from the pharmacy's other records.
The legislation requires drugs obtained by a pharmacy
to be dispenses to patients of an eligible entity
that cannot be distributed because of a changes in
circumstances for the eligible entity or the pharmacy
to be returned to the distributor from which they
were obtained. The bill provides that if an eligible
entity can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
Executive Office of Health and Human Services that
the prescription drug discount it receives other than
through the Section 340B program results in greater
savings to the state, the entity may be granted an
exception to certain requirements.
Massachusetts
HB 4479
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 11/3/05
Progress: Approved-Vetoed Effective:N/A PubAct:58
Subject: Covered Entities - Funding
Summary:
HB 4479 expands access to health care for Massachusetts
residents. It establishes a health care quality and
cost council to make recommendations regarding health
care quality improvement and cost-reduction goals.
The bill creates in the division of insurance a health
access bureau. It establishes the Commonwealth Care
Fund. It requires the Insurance Commission to maintain
a database of members of health benefit plans. It
requires that certain licensed carriers and the office
of Medicaid shall report on the first day of each
month to the executive director the names of each
resident of the commonwealth for whom creditable coverage,
was provided during the previous month. The legislation
requires as of January 1, 2007 that residents over
age 18 maintain creditable coverage. It imposes tax
penalties on individuals who fail to indicate on their
tax return that they have creditable coverage. The
bill provides that Medicaid hospital rate increases
shall be made contingent upon hospital adherence to
quality standards and achievement of performance measurement
benchmarks, including the reduction of racial and
ethnic disparities in the provision of health care.
The bill establishes a health safety net office within
the office of Medicaid, and requires the office to
perform certain duties, including administering the
Health Safety Net Trust Fund. It provides for reimbursements
from the Fund to hospitals and community health centers
for health services provided to uninsured individuals.
It establishes the Commonwealth Care Health Insurance
program for the purpose of reducing uninsurance. It
sets eligibility requirements and payments for the
program. The legislation requires certain employers
in the Commonwealth pay a Commonwealth Care Contribution.
Massachusetts
HB 4830
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 4/4/06
Subject: 340B Program; Prescription Drug Pricing;
State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
HB 4830 authorizes the committee on Public Health
to make an investigation and study of certain House
documents concerning public health in the Commonwealth,
including legislation requiring health care entities
to participate in the federal prescription drug price
discount program (340B program); efforts to establish
a drug repository program in the commonwealth.
Massachusetts
HB 4850
Session: The 184th General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts - 2005-2006 (1/5/05 thru 7/31/06
In Session)
Intro Date: 4/3/06
Progress: Signed into law
Subject:
Covered Entities - Eligibility/Access; Covered Entities
- Funding; State-Provided Drug Benefits
Summary:
The bill makes several appropriations. The measure
provides, for the purposes of paying community health
centers for health services provided to uninsured
individuals, that the office shall pay community health
centers a base rate that shall be |
