Rhode Island Senate Bill S0673

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/7/23

Caption

Senate Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Rhode Island Congressional Delegation To Urge The Under Secretary Of Defense For Personnel And Readiness To Protect Pharmacy Access For Those Who Serve Or Have Served In The Armed Forces

Impact

The resolution addresses alarming changes made by Express Scripts, a Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) handling the TRICARE program. Following the awarding of a multi-year contract to Express Scripts by the Defense Health Agency, military beneficiaries began to experience limitations on where they could fill prescriptions. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts between the profit motives of a private corporation and the quality of healthcare services provided to military personnel.

Summary

Senate Bill S0673 is a resolution that seeks to urge the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to advocate on behalf of military personnel regarding pharmacy access issues. The bill is a response to significant concerns raised about the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program, which serves approximately 9.5 million active duty and retired military personnel and their families. The bill emphasizes the need for oversight and advocacy to ensure that military beneficiaries retain access to necessary medications without restrictive practices that limit choice and access to local pharmacy providers.

Contention

Among the key contentions highlighted in discussions around S0673 are allegations that Express Scripts' policies have created 'pharmacy deserts' by pushing patients towards mail-order services while restricting access to local pharmacies. This shift has particularly affected those requiring ongoing treatments, such as cancer patients, who often rely on close, personal care from local providers. Critics argue that the rapid implementation of these new contract terms has led to a significant decrease in provider participation in the TRICARE program, adversely affecting patient access and care.

Notable_points

S0673 thus seeks not only to protect the interests of current military beneficiaries but also emphasizes a need for broader consideration of how such healthcare management inaccuracies can lead to systemic issues within the military healthcare delivery system. The resolution calls for expanded monitoring and support from the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation to enhance pharmacy networks and ensure that service members receive the quality care they deserve.