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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	December 1, 2016 11:35 AM
From:	Representative Ed Gainey
To:	All House members
Subject:	Legislation creating a program within DHS for bulk prescription drug purchases - Former HB 2029

I will soon be re-introducing legislation that would create a program within the Department of Human Services (DHS) to purchase prescription drugs or reimburse pharmacies for prescription drugs in order to receive discounted prices and rebates. This will make prescription drugs available at the lowest possible cost for participants in the program and maximize the purchasing power of consumers. This legislation would allow DHS to negotiate price discounts and rebates on prescription drugs with manufacturers and purchase prescription drugs on behalf of participants in the program. There are many medications that are saving lives. Unfortunately, some are very expensive, and many of these are expected to increase in price. For instance, Naloxone is saving the lives of people overdosing from Heroin and other Opioids. As first responders use their supply, they are discovering they can’t afford to restock it. Sofosbuvir cures Hepatitis C, yet costs $80,000. Naltrexone allows a user to overcome drug and/or alcohol dependency, yet it costs $10,000 per month to use. Our Medicaid budget is facing financial challenges as a result from these costs. This bill would allow the Commonwealth to use its resources to make lower price bulk purchases. This will save taxpayers money and will save many lives. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation. Previous co-sponsors include: YOUNGBLOOD, THOMAS, SCHWEYER, D. COSTA, BULLOCK, MURT, PASHINSKI, MILLARD, KINSEY, MAHONEY, ROZZI, COHEN, KIM, FRANKEL, READSHAW, DRISCOLL, STURLA, GERGELY, M. DALEY, MCCLINTON, D. MILLER AND DAVIDSON

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