Connecticut House Bill HB05042

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/16
• Refer: 2/4/16

Caption

An Act Restoring State Assistance For Medicare Part D Beneficiaries.

Impact

The anticipated impact of HB 05042 is significant, particularly for vulnerable populations that are dependent on Medicare and Medicaid support. By restoring the state's responsibility to cover higher drug copayments, the bill is positioned to enhance access to necessary medications for dually eligible beneficiaries. Legislators supporting this initiative argue that it will improve health outcomes by ensuring that cost does not prevent individuals from obtaining essential prescriptions, thus reducing the risk of untreated medical conditions.

Summary

House Bill 05042 proposes to restore state assistance for individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, specifically targeting drug copayments under the Medicare Part D program. The core intent of the bill is to amend existing legislation in order to ensure that beneficiaries do not face excessive out-of-pocket expenses for their medications, particularly those copayments that exceed fifteen dollars monthly. This change aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income individuals who rely on these programs for their healthcare needs.

Contention

While the bill enjoys support from various advocacy groups and healthcare supporters, there may be opposition based on concerns regarding fiscal responsibility and the sustainability of state funding. Critics might argue that reinstating these payments could strain state budgets or detract from funding for other essential services. Additionally, there could be debates surrounding the prioritization of healthcare funding versus other urgent budgetary needs, which could lead to contention in legislative discussions as the bill moves through the approval process.