Legislative Update 2-28-22

HB 1351

Community Health, Department of; pharmacy benefits management for Medicaid program

Thank you to everyone who called, texted, or emailed the committee members for HB 1351.  GPhA testified in support.  Thank you to Stephanie Wells and pharmacists, Phillip Howell, Jonathan Sinyard, and Chelley Williams for their testimonies.  The bill received unanimous votes in the hearing and will soon head to the House floor for a vote.   There is still a lot of work to do and our opposition is in full force against this bill.  So, be on the lookout for more Calls to Action.  It wouldn’t have made it this far without you!

 

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 Heathy Future.  The bill passed the House and is expected to be taken up in the Senate after crossover.   

 

SB 341

Healthcare Services guidelines for the prior authorization of prescribed medication for chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication therapy

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

Insurance; reduce out-of-pocket costs for consumers requiring 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

A 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 than 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

Community Health, Department of; statistical reports data relating to state health plans be posted on the department website

Representative Hawkins’ bill that requires statistical reports relating to state health plans and prescription drug spending be posted on the department website. 

HB 1400

Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; subject to state procurement laws

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.    

Finally, GPhA held both of the virtual Day at the Dome events via zoom with Mercer and PCOM on February 16 and UGA and South on February 24.  Students heard from, amongst others, Representative David Knight, GPhA President Mahlon Davidson, Dr. Liza Chapman, and GPhA CEO Bob Coleman.

 

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

Melissa Reybold