Relating to establishing a pill splitting program to reduce health plan costs for certain public employees.
Impact
This bill will modify existing regulations within the Insurance Code, particularly under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601. It establishes requirements for public employees regarding pill splitting practices, mandates the creation and maintenance of a list detailing eligible prescription pills, and outlines the necessary reporting measures to track the program's effectiveness. The structured implementation of this program signifies a shift in managing prescription costs, potentially enhancing the financial welfare of public employees across the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 888 aims to establish a pill splitting program specifically designed for certain public employees in Texas. The initiative focuses on allowing individuals to divide eligible prescription pills to obtain their prescribed dosages. By doing so, the bill seeks to reduce costs associated with health plans, making prescriptions more affordable for those covered by the state employee benefits programs. This program will be voluntary and is expected to include incentives such as copayment reductions for participants who choose to split their pills as directed by their prescribing physicians.
Contention
While the bill presents a framework to reduce prescription costs, there could be notable discussions regarding its practicality and potential challenges. Questions may arise about the effectiveness of self-splitting pills and the responsibility placed on employees to manage their medications this way. Additionally, sourcing eligible pills may provoke concerns about safety, efficacy, and the consistent monitoring of patient health outcomes. Stakeholders might debate the balance between reducing costs and ensuring adequate healthcare practices are adhered to in this new program.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach special education.
Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.
Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.
Pharmacy; modifying program for utilization of unused prescription drugs; providing for return of drugs to pharmacy for credit or reimbursement. Effective date.
Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity; providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies; further providing for regulations; and imposing duties on the State Board of Pharmacy.