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State‑sponsored Discount Card (ArrayRX) Presented as No‑Cost Tool to Lower Pharmacy Costs; Insurance Department Seeks Time to Review
Summary
Senate Bill 647 would authorize New Hampshire to join ArrayRX, a multi‑state public prescription discount program that supporters say provides deep discounts, preserves privacy and generates small state revenue; the Insurance Department said the bill is enabling language and that implementation details should be worked out with stakeholders.
Senate Bill 647 would allow New Hampshire to participate in ArrayRX, a multi‑state public prescription discount card program intended to offer discounted prices at participating pharmacies, preserve patient privacy and generate a modest administrative revenue share for participating states.
ArrayRX advocates explained that the program is already operating in several states and requires minimal state resources to enroll: participants register for a free card, present it at participating pharmacies and receive the discounted ArrayRX price when it is lower than their insured cost at the counter. Supporters told the committee the model is privacy‑first (it does not sell patient data), helps independent and rural pharmacies with predictable reimbursement rates and can provide immediate discounts for uninsured or underinsured consumers.
Stephanie Craig, who oversees Connecticut’s implementation, said the program can be launched quickly after legislative authorization and that states have wide discretion about how much outreach to fund. She said many states implemented the card and relied on community partners and existing state staff rather than creating new permanent positions. Advocates noted an administrative fee embedded in the discount price that yields a small revenue share to the participating state.
The Insurance Department described the bill as enabling language and said it would need to work with ArrayRX administrators and stakeholders to evaluate implementation details. The department noted some states already run similar programs and recommended careful review of data flows, pharmacy reimbursement and consumer outreach before a final decision.
Several advocates and affected family members urged quick action to expand access to lower prices for out‑of‑pocket prescription costs; committee members asked technical questions about mail order, the scope of covered drugs and whether the program operates on top of insurance benefits. The hearing closed with department staff saying the bill gives authority to explore the option and that more technical discussions would follow.
