HB 372 Summary

• Establishes the Alaska Prescription Drug Program within the Department of Health and Social Services to negotiate discounted prices and rebates from prescription drug manufacturers and provide them to eligible participants through prescription drug cards.

• Program administrator shall negotiate price discounts with manufacturers, contract with pharmacies and wholesalers to deliver discounted prices, determine program prices, and develop a preferred drug list in cooperation with the State Board of Pharmacy.

• Eligible participants include state and local government agencies, state-operated facilities, private entities, labor organizations, and uninsured Alaska residents who have not had prescription drug coverage for at least six months.

• Department shall establish annual application procedures and nominal fees for participation; participants receive prescription drug cards entitling them to purchase drugs at program prices plus a dispensing fee.

• Sections 2 and 3 take effect May 31, 2011; Department of Health and Social Services must report to the Joint Health and Social Services Committee by January 1, 2011 on implementation preparations, enrollment projections, and feasibility of program expansion.