HB 44 Summary

• Establishes the Alaska Prescription Drug Program in the Department of Health and Social Services to negotiate bulk purchase discounts and rebates with prescription drug manufacturers for prescription drugs at the lowest possible cost.

• Allows eligible participants including state and local government agencies, private entities, labor organizations, and uninsured Alaska residents without prescription drug coverage for 6+ months to enroll and receive an annual prescription drug card.

• Authorizes the program administrator to contract with pharmacies and drug wholesalers to deliver discounted prices, negotiate with manufacturers, and develop a preferred drug list in cooperation with the state Board of Pharmacy based on evidence-based evaluations.

• Prohibits the program from contracting with pharmacy benefits managers, establishing state-run drug distribution systems, or requiring participating pharmacies to maintain separate drug inventories.

• Requires the Department of Health and Social Services to report to the Joint Health and Social Services Committee by January 1, 2012 on implementation preparations, expected enrollment, program impact on drug prices, and recommendations for program expansion.