Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

HB 1319

Brief Description:  Attempting to ensure the availability of affordable prescription drugs.

Sponsors:  Representatives Campbell (co‑prime sponsor), Cody (co‑prime sponsor), Santos, Edwards, Conway, Morell, Roach, Marine, Barlean, Veloria, D. Schmidt, Lambert, Pearson, Mielke, McIntire, Bush, Kagi, Pennington and Esser.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Expresses a desire to control the rising costs of prescription drugs and make them available to people who cannot currently afford them.

Hearing Date:  2/9/01

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background: 

Prescription drugs represent the fastest growing component of health care cost increases.  As more new drugs enter the market this trend is expected to continue.  Individuals without access to health insurance that includes prescription drug coverage have a difficult time affording the prescription drugs they may need to treat their condition.

Summary of Bill: 

States as legislative intent that the Legislature will pursue strategies to ensure the availability of affordable prescription drugs for citizens who are either covered by state health care programs or not currently covered by state health care programs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.