California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB904

Introduced
2/16/17  
Introduced
2/16/17  
Failed
2/1/18  

Caption

Prescription drugs.

Impact

The bill proposes to limit the cost sharing for covered outpatient prescription drugs to no more than $250 for a 30-day supply for individuals enrolled in nongrandfathered health plans. This change would relieve patients from significant financial burdens associated with high prescription drug prices, aligning with public sentiment regarding the affordability of medications and healthcare services.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 904, introduced by Assembly Member Gallagher, seeks to address the issue of high prescription drug costs in California. This bill aims to amend existing laws, particularly the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, which regulates health care service plans and health insurers. Specifically, it underscores the state's commitment to ensure that individuals covered under these plans do not face excessive out-of-pocket costs for essential outpatient prescription medications.

Contention

Although AB 904 aims to provide financial relief, it may face opposition from healthcare providers and insurance companies concerned about its impact on their cost structures. There are potential debates over how this regulation could affect the pricing strategies of pharmaceutical companies and whether it could inadvertently lead to higher premiums for consumers as insurers adjust to accommodate the cost caps. These points of contention are likely to be focal in the legislative discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB948

Prescription drugs.

CA SB427

Health care coverage: antiretroviral drugs, drug devices, and drug products.

CA AB2169

Prescription drug coverage: dose adjustments.

CA SB873

Prescription drugs: cost sharing.

CA SB70

Prescription drug coverage.

CA SB621

Health care coverage: biosimilar drugs.

CA SB635

Health care coverage: hearing aids.

CA SB1008

Obesity Treatment Parity Act.

CA AB874

Health care coverage: out-of-pocket expenses.

CA SB1428

Reproductive health: mifepristone and other medication.

Similar Bills

CA AB458

Importation of prescription drugs.

CA SB1361

Prescription drugs: cost sharing: pharmacy benefit managers.

HI HB1825

Relating To Out-of-state Prescriptions.

HI SB2119

Relating To Out-of-state Prescriptions.

CA ACR105

Prescription drug prices.

CA SB852

Health care: prescription drugs.

HI SB608

Relating To Prescription Drugs.

HI SB608

Relating To Prescription Drugs.