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Appropriations panel caps infusion-pharmacy reimbursement increase, delays implementation
Summary
The committee adopted amendments to Senate Bill 84 that delay implementation to January 2026 and cap Medicaid reimbursement increases for infusion pharmacies at 30% of administrative costs; sponsors said the changes aim to encourage at least one more provider into the state.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations voted unanimously to adopt two amendments to Senate Bill 84 that delay the bill’s implementation and limit the size of reimbursement increases for infusion pharmacies used by Medicaid patients.
Senate Bill 84, as amended, delays implementation until January 2026 and establishes a cap that limits the reimbursement increase to 30% of administrative costs. Sponsor Senator Simpson said the amendment would “cap the reimbursement rate at 30% of the administrative cost.” She noted that existing reimbursement was low — she said “currently it’s at 5% reimbursement rate for these infusion pharmacies” — and that the original bill’s reimbursement potential was effectively unlimited.
Committee members asked whether the appropriation was annual or continuously appropriated; Senator Simpson said she did not know and suggested staff follow-up. Senator Bridges asked whether expanding infusion clinics would reduce emergency-room visits for patients currently relying on ER care; Simpson said that was the intention and that the likely result would be fewer ER trips and improved access.
After discussion, the committee adopted amendment L003 and the accompanying J2 appropriation amendment and then passed SB 84; the bill was placed on the consent calendar.
Notes: The transcript includes committee questioning about fiscal effect, whether the appropriation was annual, and the intent to incentivize additional infusion pharmacies to serve Medicaid patients.
