Wyoming Legislative Committee Approves Prescription Drug Plan With $1,000 Deductible

A subcommittee of the Wyoming Legislature on Aug. 17 approved a bill that would create a prescription drug program for any family earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $35,300 annually for a family of four, the AP/Casper Star-Tribune reports. Under the program, which would be managed by the state Department of Health, families between 150% and 200% FPL would receive state financial assistance for prescription drug costs after meeting a $1,000 deductible for their first three months of program participation. After the initial three months, the deductible would drop to $300 and beneficiaries would be charged $10 copays for generic drugs and $25 for brand-name medications. Those in families between 100% and 150% FPL would also have a $1,000 deductible for three months. While the deductible for this group would drop to $100 after three months, the group would be responsible for copayments. Families "at or below" 100% FPL would not have a deductible, but would be responsible for the copayments. Should the program begin to "ru[n] out of money," the health department could cease operating the benefit, according to the AP/Tribune. However, to prevent a complete shut-down of the program, the state would maintain the ability to stop accepting new enrollees, exclude families with higher incomes, increase the deductibles or copayments or remove some drugs from the program formulary. The bill now moves to the full Labor Committee for consideration (AP/Casper Star-Tribune, 8/21). For further information on state health policy in Wyoming, visit State Health Facts Online.