NH State Reps Take a HUGE Step Forward to Fight High Rx Drug Prices

On June 30, after months of hearings, AARP New Hampshire advocacy work, and volunteer dedication, NH State Representatives passed the Prescription Drug Omnibus Bill (HB 1280) by a vote of 225 to 104. The bill was also unanimously passed in the State Senate 24 to 0. This bill, which is now off to Governor Sununu for his signature, will help to stop skyrocketing drug prices and provide meaningful relief to Granite Staters.

AARP New Hampshire leadership and advocacy volunteers worked tirelessly for this result by implementing an aggressive campaign that included testimonials, letter writing, calls to senators, and our “sea of red” visibility at all hearings.

In addition to AARP New Hampshire, the legislation was also supported by a coalition of organizations including New Futures and the NH Alliance for Healthy Aging.

Passing this bill is a major step forward to Stop Rx Greed in the Granite State where the average annual cost of prescription drug treatment increased 57.8% between 2012 and 2017, while the annual income for Granite Staters only increased 13.2%.

Specifically, the bill addresses a variety of relief measures including wholesale prescription drug importation, transparency in prescription drug pricing, and caps on co-payments for insulin. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to expedite the senate’s ability to move on legislation, the bill grouped together several pieces of important legislation that were previously introduced as separate bills.

Prescription Drug Omnibus Bill - HB 1280

a. SB 685 establishing a wholesale prescription drug importation program and establishing the New Hampshire prescription drug competitive marketplace

b. SB 686 relative to prescription drug benefits paid by health plans and establishing the New Hampshire prescription drug competitive marketplace

c. SB 687 relative to transparency in prescription drug pricing and establishing a New Hampshire prescription drug affordability board

d. SB 688 relative to the pricing of generic prescription drugs

e. SB 691 relative to prior authorization for prescription drug coverage

f. HB 1281 requiring insurance coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors

g. HB 1280 relative to copayments for insulin

Thank you so our legislators on both sides of the aisle for passing this important bill to help Stop Rx Greed for Granite Staters.