Middlemen Who Negotiate Drug Prices Are Target Of Calif. Bill Trying To Control Costs
The measure would require pharmacy benefit managers to register and submit information about drug costs, rebates and fees to the state Department of Managed Health Care.
KPCC:
Bill Would Regulate Middlemen Who Help Set Calif. Drug Prices
One of the bills in the California legislature designed to address high prescription drug costs would take aim at the middlemen who negotiate pharmaceutical prices by bringing them under the state's regulatory purview. ... AB 315, authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), would require pharmacy benefit managers to register and submit information about drug costs, rebates and fees to the state Department of Managed Health Care. (Faust, 8/30)
In other news from Sacramento —
KPCC:
Bill Aims To Help Those With Complex Conditions If Their Insurer Leaves The Market
In response to some health insurers leaving the individual market, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would ensure continuity of care for people with complex health conditions. The measure would require a new insurance firm to cover the providers of qualifying patients, even if the provider isn't in the insurer's network. (Faust, 8/29)
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Assemblyman Jim Wood Co-Chairs New Statewide Commission On The Future Of Health Care
California’s severe shortage of primary care doctors is among the pressing health care issues that will be examined by a new statewide commission bringing together leaders in health, education and workforce development. Assemblyman Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg, chairman of the Health Committee, is among the two dozen people on the California Future Health Workforce Commission who will convene over the next 15 months with the goal of drafting a master plan for bolstering the state’s health workforce. The first of its kind in the state, the commission will emphasize primary care, mental health and care for the aging. (Espinoza, 8/29)