SB 5027 - DIGEST

     Provides that the Washington state health care authority, in consultation with the department of social and health services, shall contract with a qualified independent entity to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of aggregating the purchase and distribution of prescription drugs for all of the following:

     (1) Participants in the medicaid program;

     (2) Enrollees in the medicare program;

     (3) Members and others who purchase health care services through the health benefits program of the public employees' benefits board;

     (4) Any other individuals on whose behalf the state, county, or local government entity provides funds or subsidizes, in whole or in part, the purchase of prescription drugs or prescription drug benefits;

     (5) Washington residents fifty-five years of age or older who have limited or no insurance coverage for prescription drugs; and

     (6) Washington residents less than fifty-five years of age who have limited or no insurance coverage for prescription drugs.