National – This week, Enlyte released Part 2: In and Out-of-Network Drug Trends Analysis. According to the analysis, prescription utilization is decreasing, but the overall cost of scripts is continuing to rise.
Connecticut – Governor Ted Lamont signed two bills this week:
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- HB 5198, as a reminder, will extend telehealth provisions that were adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic until June 30, 2027.
- HB 24-1220, as a reminder, will allow injured workers to receive benefit payments through direct deposit, if requested, and includes loss of an ear to the list of other body parts where employees can receive whole personal permanent impairment benefits. The bill also aims to ensure an injured employee will not be fired if they do not accept an offer of modified employment that involves driving to and from the place of employment if their medical condition restricts the injured workers from driving.
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Louisiana – After being scheduled for floor debate last week, HB 579 was signed by the Governor earlier this week. As a reminder, HB 579 would not allow pharmacy benefits managers to reimburse a pharmacy or pharmacists in LA an amount less than the acquisition cost for the covered drug.
Massachusetts – H 1055 is currently in the House. If passed, the bill aims to eliminate the gag clause in contracts. Specifically, the bills seeks to prevent pharmacists from being penalized by health insurance carriers or Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), by informing patients about cost of prescription drugs or alternative methods of purchasing prescription medications.
HB 1147 also known as An Act Ensuring Access To Specialty Medications is currently in the House. The bill aims to ensure individuals who require specialized drugs are able to receive such drugs by eliminating restrictions that may prevent patients from accessing these medications.
Rhode Island – HB 7566 is currently in the House. The bill was introduced by 10 Democratic House Representatives, the majority party of the House, and has bipartisan support. If passed, HB 7566 would require the Department of Health to amend its regulations and rules regarding electronic prescription refills permitting DEA-registered pharmacies to transfer electronic prescriptions at a patient’s request.
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