Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pharmacy Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears bill to allow subscription pharmacy programs such as RxPass in Texas
Summary
House Bill 24 02 would exempt subscriber‑only pharmacy subscription prices from Medicaid’s usual and customary price calculation so subscription programs such as RxPass can operate in Texas without forcing Medicaid reimbursements to follow subscriber discounts.
House Bill 24 02 would clarify that pharmacy subscription programs (for example, RxPass) that charge a monthly fee for access to a defined list of generics should not be included in Medicaid’s calculation of a pharmacy’s usual and customary (U&C) price where the subscription price is not publicly available in the community market. Supporters told the committee that many states allow subscription‑style pharmacy programs and that RxPass is available in 48 other states; Amazon Pharmacy and AARP Texas both testified in support.
Bobby Lamontagne, a pharmacist with Amazon Pharmacy, described RxPass as a subscription program for Prime members that offers more than 60 generic medications for $5 per month and cited peer‑reviewed research he said shows improved adherence and reduced out‑of‑pocket costs. He told the committee the program is not insurance but can help underinsured or uninsured patients obtain essential generics.
Charles Cascio of AARP Texas supported the bill on the grounds that Medicaid reimbursement calculations should reflect community prices and that inclusion of subscription program prices in U&C calculations would distort Medicaid payments and could discourage pharmacies from serving Medicaid beneficiaries.
Several senators raised concerns about long‑term market effects and the potential impact on community pharmacies. Members discussed whether the subscription lists include only generics (witnesses said RxPass is currently a generics list) and whether broader changes could affect independent pharmacies and local service networks. The committee closed public testimony and left House Bill 24 02 pending. No formal vote was held.
