Date: 04/27/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1100
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
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12:46 PM -- House Bill 06-1100 - Concerning the Colorado Cares RX Program
Representative Frangas, prime sponsor, discussed the House Health and Human Services committee amendments to House Bill 06-1100. (The bill, as amended by the House Health and Human Services Committee, establishes the Colorado Cares RX Program and the Colorado Cares RX Clearinghouse. The Colorado Cares RX Program is to provide eligible uninsured people with access to discounts on prescription drugs through a state-sponsored discount card program.) After a brief committee discussion, the Chairman took testimony.
The following persons testified:
12:50 PM -- Ms. Susan Cox, Kaiser Permanente, testified in opposition toward the bill. Ms. Cox commented that the primary concern about the legislation is the obligatory disclosure of drug rebate information to the state that is really proprietary information. This information, once disclosed, can give other health care providers a competitive edge.
12:52 PM -- Dr. John Obrien, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Foundation, PhRMA, responded to committee questions and commented on the bill as amended. As amended, the bill creates a price control system for the purchase of prescription drugs. The legislation works against other voluntary programs that aid the medically uninsured.
01:09 PM -- Mr. Rob Hernandez, NAMI Colorado, testified in support of the legislation and commented that the benefit of the legislation is worth the cost. This program under the legislation will help the most needy segment of the indigent population.
01:15 PM -- Mr. Mark Kinney, RX Plus Pharmacies, testified in opposition toward the bill and commented that pharmacists would have to pick up a large percentage of the discounts that are offered through the program. Ultimately, the financial burden of the program will fall on pharmacists because the contribution by drug manufacturers will be insignificant.
01:30 PM -- Mr. Brad Young, RX Plus Pharmacies, testified in opposition toward the bill and commented that pharmacists would be bearing the financial burden under the bill.
01:31 PM -- Mr. Chris Howes, Colorado Retail Council, testified in opposition toward the bill.
After a brief committee discussion, Representative Vigil, Chairman, pulled the bill off the table.
01:36 PM
Adjourn.