West Virginia Officials Continue Talks For Multi-State Rx Purchasing Pool, Discounts For Seniors, Generic Drugs

Negotiations between West Virginia and 14 other states to create a prescription drug purchasing pool are expected to move "beyond talks and into programs soon," the Charleston Daily Mail reports. West Virginia has "tak[en] the lead" in developing the program, and state Public Employees Insurance Agency Director Tom Susman wants to have a program ready by Oct. 1. The Daily Mail reports West Virginia spends about $257 million and $80 million annually on drugs for Medicaid and PEIA, respectively. Although a purchasing pool may lower drug costs "a few notches," it would not necessarily prevent costs from rising again. Therefore, in addition to the purchasing pool, state officials are continuing to develop other programs to lower the cost of prescription drugs. The plans include a multi-state effort to have pharmacists meet with doctors to promote generic drug use and provide data on "what various therapies cost" and how generic drugs can be used. Medical schools would administer the program to ensure therapies are based on clinical necessity and not solely on costs. Under the proposal, pharmacists would "provide education" on treating diseases to cut inpatient services in favor of drug treatments. The Daily Mail reports that Georgia is leading the development of the program and has created training manuals and brochures. West Virginia is also "close to implementing" a drug discount for seniors. Under the program, seniors would use their Golden Mountaineer cards to purchase drugs at a discount. Currently, the state is evaluating five bids from pharmacy benefit managers to administer the program, which is expected to be take effect this fall (Wallace, Charleston Daily Mail, 8/14).