Rep. Martin T. Causer (R-Turtlepoint) says he is cosponsoring legislation
designed to consolidate the 14 state-run prescription benefit plans into one
program.

"By managing all of Pennsylvania's prescription drug assistance programs
through one program, the state will help save taxpayer money by making
government more efficient," Causer said. "While maintaining the high quality
service of these programs, this legislation would also reduce administrative
cost burdens and increase their efficiency."

Specifically, House Bill 2263 would establish a pharmacy benefits
consolidation program within the Department of Aging, the agency overseeing
the state's premier programs, PACE and PACENET.

The consolidation of these programs would allow the state to collect more
best-price rebates from pharmaceutical companies and enjoy a consumer price
index cap on increases in drug prices, among other things.

In addition to PACE and PACENET, the new program would administer the
following plans:

· Medical Assistance.

· Special Pharmaceutical Benefit Program in the Department of Public
Welfare.

· End Stage Renal Program in the Department of Health.

· Any other state-run pharmacy programs recognized by the Centers for
Medicaid and Medicare Services as a state pharmaceutical assistance program

· Public School Employees' Retirement System prescription drug plan.

· State Employees' Retirement System prescription drug plan.

· State Employees' Benefit Trust Fund prescription drug plan.

· Any program that uses state funds, including money from the Lottery
Fund, to provide prescription drug assistance to Medicare recipients.

· Programs where the state purchases or reimburses affiliates or
designees for a pharmacy benefit, such as the Children's Health Insurance
Program (CHIP), workers' compensation programs and any program administered
by the Department of Corrections.

"This 'One Pennsylvania' initiative would put the Commonwealth in a better
position to offer our residents the best prices available for a wide range
of pharmaceuticals," Causer said. "Furthermore, it would institute a fair
compensation system for pharmacy providers."

The legislation which is being sponsored by Rep. Fred McIlhattan
(R-Clarion/Armstrong) is still under review by the House Aging and Older
Adult Services Committee.