House Bill 26-026

This bill establishes a comprehensive statewide framework designed to ensure all residents can afford medically necessary medications. By expanding upon previous insulin-specific policies, the legislation addresses the rising costs of prescription drugs that have historically created barriers to treatment and negatively impacted public health. To oversee these changes, the bill creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board within the Department of Health, which is tasked with monitoring pricing trends and setting additional payment limits as needed. Furthermore, it prohibits insurance companies and manufacturers from bypassing these protections through premium hikes or administrative hurdles.

Under the new law, monthly out-of-pocket costs for insured residents are strictly capped at $35 for insulin, $100 for any single prescription, and a total of $200 for all medications combined, regardless of deductible status. Uninsured residents are also protected through a required affordability pathway that ensures manufacturers provide drugs at similarly capped prices. Additional provisions include emergency dispensing authority for pharmacists to prevent treatment interruptions and transparency reporting requirements. Ultimately, the legislation aims to improve medication adherence and health outcomes by providing predictable, low-cost access to essential treatments.