2022 Legislative Update Days 21-24

March 7, 2022

We are more than halfway through the legislative session so the Capitol will be a little more hectic in the coming weeks.  Next Tuesday, March 15 is crossover day, which is the deadline for a bill to pass out of either legislative chamber for the current session.  There are numerous bills waiting for a vote including Representative Knight’s Medicaid managed-care prescription drug carve-out bill (HB1351).        

HB 1351

Pharmacy Benefits Management for Medicaid Program

HB 1351 was scheduled for a House vote on Friday, March 4.  Due to the number of bills on the floor that day, it was pushed to the next legislative day which is Tuesday, March 8.  Thank you again for your participation in our last call to action. Many legislators relayed they received your calls and messages and will vote in support!   

HB 1519

Prohibit Insurers from Changing Network Participation Contracts 

Representative Knight sponsored this bill which will prohibit insurers from unilaterally changing network participation contracts impacting coverage, access to, or costs of ancillary services, which includes pharmacy services.  This bill was introduced this week and has been assigned to the House Special Committee on Access to Quality Healthcare.  GPhA will work with Representative Knight and other stakeholders to support this legislation.  

HB 1279

Controlled Substance Compartmentalized Containers

Representative Matthew Gambill’s bill will allow anyone with a chronic disease or anyone over age 65, who has been prescribed one or medications, to carry their prescriptions in a compartmentalized container with the capacity to hold up to a 21 day supply.  This bill was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee where GPhA offered comments regarding the language in the bill.  It passed via substitute with unanimous votes and is headed to the House.       

HB 1453

Crimes and Offenses; Access to Medical Cannabis

Representative Sharon Cooper and Representative Micah Gravely are the main sponsors of this bill which looks to revise provisions regarding access to medical cannabis and to provide for accreditation of independent laboratories for testing low THC oil and products.  Also, this bill would provide for additional Class 1 and Class 2 production licenses and transfer the operation and maintenance of the Low THC Oil Patient Registry from the Department of Community Health to the Georgia Composite Medical Board.  This bill passed through committee via substitute and is on its way to the House.    

 

Bills we are continuing to monitor…

 

HB 867

Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act

Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act was heard in the Special Committee on Access to Quality Healthcare.  GPhA was present and testified in support along with APCI, Medical Association of Georgia, ATAP (Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions), and Georgians for a Healthy Future.  The bill passed the House and is expected to be taken up in the Senate after crossover.   

 

SB 341

Guidelines for the Prior Authorization of a Prescribed Medication for Chronic Conditions 

Senators Kirkpatrick, Burke, Watson, and Hufstetler’s bill provides guidelines for the prior authorization for chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication therapy under certain circumstances to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a chronic condition for at least a year.  Passed in the Senate and headed to the House.  

 

HB 902

Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insulin

This bill would limit the total cost of insulin not to exceed $100 for a 30-day supply regardless of the amount or type of insulin needed to fill a covered person’s prescription.  This bill hasn’t had much movement since January but GPhA will continue to monitor this bill. 

 

HR 823

House Study Committee on Pharmacy Deserts

Creation of a House study committee on identifying pharmacy deserts within the state and to find solutions to eliminate them. This study will examine programs in Georgia and other states and look for sources of revenue for pharmacy desert programs. 

HB 963

Controlled Substances; Schedule I and IV; Change Certain Provisions

The annual drug bill passed through the House and is now in the Senate. 

SB 518

Prescription Drug Rebate Financial Protection Act

This bill was introduced by Senator Hufstetler which requires all health insurers to pass along no less that 80 percent of all prescription drug rebates to enrollees that such insurer receives from 3rd parties relating to prescription drugs.  GPhA will monitor this legislation.  

HB 1276

Statistical Data Relating to State Health Plans

Representative Hawkins’ bill that requires statistical reports relating to state health plans and prescription drug spending be posted on the department website.  Passed through the House and is waiting for committee assignment on the Senate side.    

HB 1400

Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission

This bill increases the Class I production licenses from 2 to 9 in 100,000 square feet of cultivation space and increases the Class II production licenses from 4 to 19 in 50,000 square feet of cultivation space.  This bill passed through committee and will head to the House for a vote.     

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at mreybold@gpha.org. 

Melissa Reybold