WEEKLY UPDATE: 12/05/24
On Wednesday, December 4, the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) joined lawmakers at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford for a press conference to announce the launch of the newly formed bipartisan, bicameral Prescription Drug Task Force.
The task force convenes a coalition of legislators, healthcare providers, pharmacists, pharmaceutical industry experts, patients, and consumer advocates to tackle the rising costs of medications and improve access to prescription drugs and pharmacy care in Connecticut. It aims to develop practical, actionable solutions to address these challenges.
Lawmakers spearheading the effort include state Senators Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) and state Representatives Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford) and Tracy Marra (R-Darien).
Over the coming months, subcommittees of the task force will meet to draft policy recommendations focused on key areas, including:
- Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)
- Drug shortages and importation
- Patient protection, pharmacy practice, rare diseases, and innovation
- Drug pricing and 340B programs
As stakeholders explore opportunities to rein in healthcare expenses, CHA continues to stress the necessity of preserving the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The program’s substantial benefits enable hospitals and other healthcare providers, such as community health centers, to provide critical services — including free and reduced-cost care — to vulnerable populations. In Connecticut, 340B drug discounts have a ripple effect on affordability for all patients throughout the healthcare system.
The task force kicked off its first meeting Wednesday afternoon. The full committee will reconvene in February to finalize proposals for the 2025 Legislative Session.
