2012 -- H 8099

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LC02321

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE

     Introduced By: Representatives Hull, Bennett, Carnevale, and McLaughlin

     Date Introduced: May 01, 2012

     Referred To: House Corporations

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 27-29.1-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-29.1 entitled

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"Pharmacy Freedom of Choice - Fair Competition and Practices" is hereby amended to read as

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follows:

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     27-29.1-4. Mandate to offer a nonrestricted pharmacy network. -- Every health care

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insurer that delivers or issues for delivery or renews in this state a contract, plan, or policy that

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provides coverage for pharmaceuticals delivered on an outpatient basis through a restricted

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pharmacy network, shall:

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      (a) Also offer insurance purchasers an optional benefit plan that includes a nonrestricted

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pharmacy network even if the nonrestricted pharmacy network does not offer mail order service;

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and

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      (b) Subject to a determination by the US Department of Health and Human Services'

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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the consistency of this subsection with Medicare

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law and related regulations, offer only nonrestricted pharmacy networks in any Medicare

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Supplement or Medicare+Choice Plans.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02321

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE

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     This act would permit insurance purchasers to use a nonrestricting pharmacy network

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even if mail order service is not offered.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC02321

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