In Review: The Health Coverage, Insurance, and Financial Services Committee (HCIFS) held a work session on a bill to establish coverage criteria for nonopioid, non-narcotic drugs that are more restrictive than the least restrictive coverage criteria for an opioid or narcotic drug. Ultimately, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment requiring plans to offer non-drug treatment options. PCMA changed our positioning to neutral and the bill was voted ought to pass. Also, a bill previously adopted was a prescription drug affordability board with upper payments which PCMA opposed. The bill received a fiscal note much higher than HCIFS anticipated. The committee will do a language review of the bill next week to identify ways to reduce the fiscal note. HCIFS is concerned the bill will get held up in appropriations due to the high dollar amount. PCMA will continue to monitor.

If you have any questions, please contact Sam Hallemeier at shallemeier@pcmanet.org.