Date: 04/28/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-001

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer the bill to the Committee on Appropriations.PASS


02:05 PM -- Senate Bill 06-001

Representative Madden, sponsor, presented the bill regarding low-cost prescription drugs. She distributed three documents to committee members (Attachments B, C, and D). Amendment L.011 was also distributed to members (Attachment E).

The following persons testified:

02:10 PM -- Dr. John O'Brian, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), discussed problems associated with preferred drug lists (PDLs). Primary among these problems are patients being unable to access necessary drugs.

02:18 PM -- Dr. Tom Reiley, Colorado Epilepsy Foundation, described the needs of medically fragile Medicaid enrollees. He stated epilepsy patients in particular need very specific prescription drugs and cannot use substitutions (generic or brand name). He discussed prior authorization requirements for non-formulary drugs.

02:24 PM -- Tony Gagliardi, National Federation for Independent Businesses (NFIB), spoke in support of the bill. He stated the bill will help employees of small employers afford prescription drugs.

02:28 PM -- Chuck Ford, Brotherhood of Professional Employees, stated the bill is the best pharmaceutical drug bill currently before the General Assembly.

02:30 PM -- Frank Lay, Alliance for Retired Americans, spoke in support of the bill because it will reduce the cost of prescription drugs for the Alliance's constituency.

02:31 PM -- Brenda Morrison, Bighorn Center for Public Policy, spoke in support of the bill. She stated the bill presents the best service for persons in need.

02:32 PM -- Dennis Roe and Franciore Mbabazi, Colorado Progressive Coalition, came to the table to testify together. Mr. Roe discussed high costs of prescription drugs. Ms. Mbabazi addressed others' concerns that the bill may harm persons of color.

02:36 PM -- Mark Kinney, Rx Plus Pharmacies, spoke in support of the bill and distributed a packet of information to members (Attachment F). He discussed pharmacy profit margins. Representative Madden answered questions about carve-outs for drugs for certain medical conditions. Mr. Kinney answered questions about how the bill's provisions compare to private sector discount drug programs.

02:45 PM -- Chris Howes, Colorado Retail Council, spoke in support of the bill. He stated product costs are driving up Medicaid's overall drug costs.

02:47 PM -- Michael McGuire and AW Schnellbacher, AARP, came to the table to testify together and distributed a folder of information to members (Attachment G).


02:52 PM

Representative Cloer distributed and discussed L.012 (Attachment H). Representative McGihon ruled the amendment does not fit under the bill's title. Representative Stafford discussed L.011. Representative McGihon ruled the amendment also does not fit under the bill's title.


02:55 PM

Committee members commented on the bill. Representative Madden made concluding remarks.
BILL:SB06-001
TIME: 03:00:44 PM
MOVED:Weissmann
MOTION:Refer the bill to the Committee on Appropriations. The bill passed 9-4.
SECONDED:Green
VOTE
Berens
Yes
Cloer
No
Green
Yes
Kerr A.
Yes
Kerr J.
No
Lundberg
No
Riesberg
Yes
Soper
Yes
Stafford
No
Sullivan
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Frangas
Yes
McGihon
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



03:02 PM

The committee adjourned.