_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study of matters related to insulin pricing and access; and requesting that the final results of the study be reported to the 68th legislature.

WHEREAS, the Department of Public Health and Human Services estimates that about 64,000 Montanans have diagnosed diabetes; and

WHEREAS, the increased cost of insulin in recent years has caused concern at both the state and national levels; and

WHEREAS, efforts have been undertaken at the state and national levels, as well as by health insurers, to address the cost of insulin.

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 or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to study insulin pricing practices and variables that contribute to the rising costs of insulin.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study review:

(1) available information, for Montana or other states, on:

(a) the costs of manufacturing insulin and factors related to pricing, including but not limited to profits, research and development costs, marketing costs, and costs associated with updating the method of insulin delivery;

(b) average prices charged for insulin to a consumer with and without insurance coverage;

(c) the impact of health benefit plan design, cost sharing, and the use of preferred provider networks to control patient out-of-pocket costs for insulin, including any proactive steps taken by health plans to lower insulin costs; and

(d) the effectiveness and availability of insulin patient assistance programs, including the average duration; and

(2) public policy recommendations proposed or implemented in other states to address the rising cost of insulin and increase access to insulin, including exploration of an emergency insulin program in Montana.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include input from appropriate stakeholders, including but not limited to people with diabetes who use insulin, health insurers, pharmaceutical companies that manufacture insulin, pharmacists, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy services agreement organizations, wholesalers and distributors, diabetes health care providers, diabetes education and care specialists, the Department of Public Health and Human Services, the State Auditor's Office, and organizations serving and advocating for people with diabetes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2022.

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 68th Legislature.