SB 182 & HB 95-Relating to Consumer Protection from Nonmedical Changes to Prescription Drug Formularies
On Tuesday, February 21st, SB 182, relating to Consumer Protection from Nonmedical Changes to Prescription Drug Formularies, by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne), was heard by the Senate Committee on Health Policy and passed with a vote of 5 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in opposition to this bill.
On Wednesday, February 22nd, HB 95, relating to Consumer Protection from Nonmedical Changes to Prescription Drug Formularies, by Representative Ralph Massullo (R-Beverly Hills), was heard by the House Health Innovation Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in opposition to this bill.
These bills address the ability to move or shift prescription drugs within drug formularies by health plans. Currently, health plans have the authority to move prescription drugs to different tiers within the drug formulary, or add/remove certain drugs all together. Health plans use this system if, for instance, a drug has been found to be unsafe for patients or a more cost-efficient alternative has become available. Removing this ability from health plans would not only cause the cost of healthcare to rise but could put patients at risk of taking potentially harmful medications.
SB 182 will now go to its third committee stop in the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
HB 95 will go to its second committee stop in the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee.
AIF OPPOSES taking away the leverage health plans have to add, remove, or shift drugs within the formulary system as it will increase the cost of health care and pharmaceuticals for Florida’s employer community.
SB 262-Relating to Health Insurance
On Tuesday, February 22nd, SB 262, relating to Health Insurance, filed by Senator Greg Steube (R-Sarasota), was heard and passed by the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance by a vote of 6 yeas to 3 nays. AIF stood in opposition to this bill.
This bill looks to create a new cause of action, including punitive damages, and holds health insurers liable when network providers are negligent in the delivery of services to recipients. This proposal will have a negative impact on the cost of health care in our state.
SB 262 will now go to the Senate Committee on Judiciary for its second committee hearing.
AIF OPPOSES this legislation as employers and employees ultimately bear the responsibility of theses unnecessary cost increases
HB 589-Relating to Prescription Drug Price Transparency
On Wednesday, February 22nd, HB 589, relating to Prescription Drug Price Transparency, by Representative Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) was heard in the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee and passed. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
Prescription drug costs continue to rise, and become a larger percentage of the overall health care spend in Florida. HB 589 creates more transparency in drug pricing, and will give consumers the ability to make more informed decisions regarding their health care spending. Currently, the law requires MyFloridaRX to provide the top 150 most prescribed drugs including their customary prices by pharmacies. This bill would double that number to 300 and codifies monthly reporting to the Agency for Health Care Administration (“AHCA”).
HB 589 will now go to the House Health & Human Services Committee for its next hearing.
AIF SUPPORTS transparency in drug pricing as a tool for reducing the cost of health care coverage on Florida’s employers and employees.
HB 449- Relating to Health Insurance
On Wednesday, February 22nd, HB 449, relating to Health Insurance, by Representative Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) was heard by the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee and passed. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, spoke in opposition to this bill.
This bill creates the Patient Savings Act, which requires health insurers to create a shared savings incentive program (Program) to encourage insured individuals to shop for high quality, lower cost health care services and share any savings realized as a result of the insured’s choice. While this bill has good intentions, when you look at paying an insured individual’s difference in cost, the insurance company will end up paying a midway point which will in turn be pushed off onto Florida businesses.
HB 449 will now go to the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee for its next hearing.
AIF OPPOSES this legislation due to the concern over cost increase to business owners across the state.
