H.B. NO. 13 - State Purchasing Pool for Prescription Drugs

• Establishes a state prescription drug purchasing pool administered by the Department of Health that allows county public employers, self-insured private employers, and health insurance carriers to purchase prescription drugs under the State's purchasing authority.

• Department of Health shall establish procedures for eligibility requirements, enrollment, duration, payment requirements, and withdrawal/termination procedures for participating entities.

• Permits the department to offer participating employers and carriers optional stop loss coverage at department-negotiated rates to protect against high-cost claims.

• Allows two or more employers or carriers to jointly purchase prescription drugs together, with such arrangements exempt from federal multiple employer welfare arrangement regulations.

• Authorizes the department to administer the prescription drug pool in conjunction with other state prescription drug programs and to adopt rules under chapter 91 for implementation.