Representative Will, co-sponsor, introduced HB21-1275.  The bill modifies the state’s Medicaid program to include payment to pharmacists for all services within their scope of practice.  Pharmacists must be paid equivalent to physicians or advanced practice nurses when providing the same services, including services delivered through telemedicine.  In addition, the bill authorizes Medicaid payments to authorized pharmacists to administer extended-release injectable medications for treatment of mental health or substance use disorders, which can be paid either as a pharmacy or medical benefit.

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is directed to seek federal authorization and financial participation to implement these changes.

Representative Lontine, co-sponsor, continued with opening remarks on the bill. She continued with remarks on the fiscal note.

The sponsors continued presenting the bill. They responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Emily Zadvorny, Colorado Pharmacists Society, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Jim Leonard, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, testified to amend the bill. The previous witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Tisha Smith, Denver Health, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Lisa Winkler, Clinica Family Health, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Floyd Stephens, Associates in Family Medicine, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Amy Stump, Associates in Family Medicine, testified in support of the bill.

Alice Steiner, Colorado Community Health Network, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Diana Kessel, Salud Family Health Center, testified in support of the bill. Vicki Einhellig, Good Day Pharmacy, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lucas Smith, RxPlus Pharmacies, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Lontine introduced and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

The bill sponsors provided closing comments on the bill.