HCS HB 56 -- REFERRALS FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES

SPONSOR:  Behnen (Threlkeld)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute specifies that anti-kickback laws relating to
referrals for health care services do not apply to certain
programs established by pharmaceutical companies to provide
financial assistance to individuals with chronic, potentially
debilitating, or life-threatening conditions who have been
prescribed disease-managing medications for which there is no
generic equivalent.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2006, FY 2007, and
FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that persons with multiple sclerosis
can only take certain disease modifying drugs.  These drugs are
very expensive, averaging in cost between $12,000 and $18,000 a
year.  Due to the high cost of these drugs, most insurance plans
have gone from co-pay to co-insurance, a percentage of the cost.
The costs of co-insurance has placed a significant financial
burden on persons with multiple sclerosis.  The drug companies
are willing to help with the costs of the co-insurance by
providing rebates to patients.  Currently, Missouri's
anti-kickback law prohibits this type of rebating, but the bill
will allow the drug companies to provide some relief for the
patients.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Threlkeld; Multiple
Sclerosis Society; and Mary Kay Fink.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that the language
relating to non-profit organizations is too broad.

Others testifying on the bill were Missouri Health Care
Association; and Missouri Hospital Association.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm