Arkansas Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Announces Senior Prescription Drug Program Similar to MaineRx

As part of her gubernatorial bid in Arkansas, state Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) on Sept. 16 unveiled a senior prescription drug plan that relies on the state's purchasing power through Medicaid to require discounts from pharmaceutical companies, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports (Blomeley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 9/17). The plan, called the Arkansas Prescription Drug Assistance Program, is based on the MaineRx program. Under Fisher's proposal, the state would act as a pharmacy benefit manager and negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to obtain rebates on prescription drugs equal to those set by federal law for the Medicaid program. The state would then pass the rebate on to pharmacies, which would give the discount to seniors enrolled in the program. Drugs produced by companies that do not agree to provide additional rebates would require prior authorization before being dispensed through Medicaid. However, exceptions would be permitted in cases in which no medical equivalent drugs are available. To enroll in the program, seniors would pay an annual fee of about $20. The proposal also would create a telephone hotline and Web site to help consumers access state, federal and private prescription drug programs and use generic instead of brand-name pharmaceuticals. "This will give discounts to all Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas without prescription drug coverage with discounts as high as 40%," Fisher said (Fisher release, 9/16). "It's time for a governor who will take strong action to hold down prescription drug prices and bring real relief to older Arkansans," she added. However, state Medicaid Director Ray Hanley said the legality of the plan is "uncertain," as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has sued HHS to keep the department from allowing such plans (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 9/17). The Supreme Court on June 28 agreed to hear PhRMA's case against MaineRx (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 7/1).