State Policy Hub
January 31, 2023

 

Welcome to State Policy Hub, state policy developments for federal affairs professionals. Over the past two weeks, states have introduced legislation aimed at prescription drug affordability, including insulin copay caps, prescription drug affordability boards, rebate pass through and generic manufacturing. Additionally, Connecticut introduced legislation to evaluate public options plans, as well as a cost-benefit analysis of a universal health care system. Finally, Michigan introduce a bill that would require coverage of mental health services, while Maryland introduced legislation to boost the behavioral health workforce.

If you are interested in our full range of state policy consulting services, which include state bill tracking and real-time analysis of state legislation and regulation, please see our one-pagerĀ here.Ā Please reach out to Erin Slifer atĀ erin@wynnehealth.com if you are interested in learning more about these services and how they could benefit your organization.

Prescription Drugs

New York Advances Legislation to Lower Insulin Copay Cap
Wednesday, January 18 

The New York Senate approved legislation that would lower the stateā€™s existing insulin copay cap from $100 to $30. The House will now consider the bill.California, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and West Virginia have introduced similar legislation this year.

Arizona Introduced Generic Drug Manufacturing Bill
Wednesday, January 18

The Arizona House of Representatives introduced legislation that directs the Department of Health to enter intro partnerships to produce or distribute generic drugs with the purpose to increase competition, lower drug prices, and address shortages for public and private purchasers. The bill also requires that the production must include at least one form of insulin.

States Introduce Bills to Require Rebate Pass Through
Wednesday, January 18

The Washington Senate introduced legislation that requires an enrollee's coinsurance or deductible payment for prescription drugs be calculated at the point of sale based on a price that is reduced by an amount equal to 100 percent of all rebates received, or to be received, in connection with the dispensing or administration of the prescription drug. Oklahoma and Illinois introduced similar legislation that would require 100 percent of rebates to be passed through, while New York introduced legislation that would require insurers to certify that at the least the majority of rebates were provided to patients at the point of sale.

Maryland and Washington Introduce Bills Aimed at Existing Prescription Drug Affordability Boards
Wednesday, January 25

Maryland House of Representatives introduced legislation that would require its Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to draft a plan of action for implementing a process to establish upper payment limits (UPLs) for drugs that pose an affordability challenge. The Washington House of Representatives introduced legislation that would amend its existing PDAB to review drugs with a wholesale acquisition cost of at least $25,000 instead of $60,000 and would prohibit the PDAB from establishing UPLs until 2027.

Insurance Reform

Connecticut Bill to Evaluate Public Option Plans
Wednesday, January 18

The Connecticut Senate introduced legislation that would require the Comptroller and the Office of Health Strategy to conduct a study evaluating public option health care plans in other states, as well as submit a report to the legislature that includes a recommendation for a public option health care plan in the state. Public option plans or similar plans have been enacted in Washington, Colorado, and Nevada.

New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maryland Examine Universal Coverage
Wednesday, January 18

The New Hampshire House of Representatives introduced a bill that would establish an interstate compact for universal healthcare to provide payment for providing healthcare for the citizens of New Hampshire and other member states. Meanwhile, Connecticut and Maryland introduced bill that would require a cost-benefit analysis of a universal health care system and a commission universal health care, respectively.

Mental and BehavioralĀ Health

Michigan Bill to Require Coverage of Mental Health Services
Wednesday, January 18

The Michigan Senate introduced a bill that would require insurers to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, at a level that is no less favorable than the level provided for physical illness.

Maryland Introduces Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Workforce
Thursday, January 26

The Maryland Senate introduced legislation that would establish a behavioral health workforce investment fund for the purpose of proving reimbursement for costs associated with education, training, certifying, recruiting, place and retaining behavioral health professional and paraprofessionals. The state will also conduct a behavioral health workforce needs assessment to determine immediate, intermediate, and long-term unmet need.

Climate Change

New Mexico to Bills Aims at the Intersection of Public Health and Climate Change
Wednesday, January 18

The New Mexico House of Representatives introduced a bill that would require the state to establish a statewide public health and climate program, as well as a public health climate resiliency fund. In implementing the program, the state must help improve interagency collaboration focused on health equity, reducing health impacts of extreme weather and climate adaptation in New Mexico and develop action plans that support local communities in building health resiliency to future climate impacts.

WHG Contacts for Inquiries
Erin Slifer:Ā erin@wynnehealth.com; (410) 984-4552
Billy Wynne: billy@wynnehealth.com; (202) 309-0796


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