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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17

INTRODUCED BY J. WINDY BOY, M. CAFERRO, J. KARJALA, A. OLSZEWSKI, J. PRICE


A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 66TH LEGISLATURE.

 

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICING; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 66TH LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, prices for prescription drugs have increased at a faster pace than other medical costs in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that prescription drug costs accounted for 16.7% of the overall personal health care services Americans received in 2015; and

     WHEREAS, the prices for some prescription drugs that have been on the market for years have seen recent increases that have prompted congressional inquiry; and

     WHEREAS, some prescription drugs are sold in the United States at much higher prices than in other countries; and

     WHEREAS, increasing prescription drug prices have affected both Montanans who purchase prescription drugs and public programs that pay for prescription drugs.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to examine prescription drug pricing and its effects on Montanans.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study review:

     (1) overall price changes in prescription drug prices in the last 10 years, as well as price changes in specific groups of drugs or types of drugs as identified by the committee;

     (2) factors related to the price changes;

     (3) the cost of prescription drugs to the state Medicaid program, the Healthy Montana Kids Plan, state employee group benefit plans, and local government health plans, including how the costs have changed in recent years; and

     (4) efforts in other states and in Congress to control the costs of prescription drugs or to obtain more information about prescription drug pricing.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study develop recommendations for steps Montana could take to mitigate the effects of rising prescription drug prices on public programs and on Montanans.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include participation by representatives of the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the Department of Administration, the Montana University System, the Board of Pharmacy, city and county governments, school districts, drug manufacturers, insurers, and other interested parties.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2018.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 66th Legislature.

- END -

 


Latest Version of HJ 17 (HJ0017.ENR)
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