HB 1219-S - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/18/05)

Requires the administrator of the state health care authority to, directly or by contract, adopt policies necessary for establishment of a prescription drug purchasing consortium. The consortium's purchasing activities shall be based upon the evidence-based prescription drug program established under RCW 70.14.050.

Provides that state purchased health care programs, as defined in RCW 41.05.011(2), shall purchase prescription drugs through the consortium for those prescription drugs that are purchased directly by the state and those that are purchased through reimbursement of pharmacies, unless exempted under this act.

Provides that the administrator shall not require that any supplemental rebate offered by a pharmaceutical manufacturer for prescription drugs purchased for medical assistance program clients under chapter 74.09 RCW be extended to state purchased health care programs other than medical assistance, or to individuals or entities participating in the consortium. The administrator shall explore joint purchasing opportunities with other states.

Provides that participation in the purchasing consortium shall be offered as an option beginning January 1, 2006. Participation in the consortium is purely voluntary for units of local government, private entities, labor organizations, and for individuals who lack or are underinsured for prescription drug coverage. The provisions of RCW 69.41.190 shall apply to prescriptions filled for all voluntary participants in the purchasing consortium. The administrator may set reasonable fees, including enrollment fees, to cover administrative costs attributable to participation in the prescription drug consortium.

Creates the prescription drug consortium advisory committee within the authority.