0ABE3DC7C44FCDF68725826D00711921 Hearing Summary

Senators Kefalas and Martinez Humenik, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1284.  This bill prohibits a health insurance carrier or pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from:

• requiring that a pharmacist charge a covered person a copayment that exceeds the amount billed to the health plan by the pharmacist; or
• prohibiting or penalizing a pharmacist from informing a covered person about cost sharing amounts for a prescription drug or the clinical efficacy of a more affordable alternative drug.

If the Commissioner of Insurance determines that a carrier or PBM violates these provisions, the commissioner must institute a corrective action plan for the carrier and may use other existing enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

Jo Hubchik, Colorado Chronic Care Collaborative, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Tim Hutton, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP), testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Sally Berger, CAFP, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Kefalas responded to questions.

Jennifer Jones, Colorado Bio Science Association, testified in support of the bill.

Diane Robinson, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Smallwood recessed the meeting.

Senator Smallwood reconvened the meeting.

Emily Zadvorny, Colorado Pharmacists Society, testified in support of the bill.

Alyson Williams, Health District of Northern Larimer County, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion and questions followed.

Jo Hubchik returned to the table and responded to questions.

Senators Kefalas and Martinez Humenik made closing comments.