Florida Expands Mail-Order Drug Program for Medicaid Beneficiaries with Diabetes

On a 22-13 vote, the Florida Legislature has approved an expansion of a pilot prescription drug mail-order program that would allow 7,000 Medicaid beneficiaries to purchase all their medications through the mail, the St. Petersburg Times reports. State lawmakers in July established the program, through which 7,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in a 30-county area "stretching from Tampa to Jacksonville" purchase diabetes medications and other related materials at discounted prices through the Illinois-based Health Alliance. Health Alliance Vice President John Tollefson said the company must offer medications at 20% below the average wholesale price and "some medical items free of charge," including lancets and alcohol cleansing wipes. Under the original program, considered a "cheaper, more convenient alternative" than having beneficiaries purchase medications through local pharmacies, participants could only purchase diabetes medications and related supplies by mail. But the approved bill would allow the same pool of beneficiaries to purchase all their prescription drugs through Health Alliance. The state expects to save $1.5 million next year through the program. Bob Sharpe, state Medicaid director, said, "The primary reason for doing it, although we will save some money, is if individuals get certain products by mail, they may want to get others. It's voluntary. What we're trying to accomplish is convenience and at cheaper prices." The drug retail and pharmacy lobby, however, "doubt" it is a feasible alternative for Medicaid beneficiaries, the Times reports. Michael Jackson, Florida Pharmacy Association lobbyist, said that such a program is a "nightmare" for Medicaid beneficiaries, who must learn a new system to get their "life-sustaining drugs" (Bousquet, St. Petersburg Times, 12/12).