Medication Access and Cost Study Committee Meets March 4 in Baton Rouge

Released: March 3, 2007

The Medication Access and Cost Study Committee will hold its sixth meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 9 a.m. at the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Poydras Building, Second Floor Conference Room. Interested persons are invited to attend. This committee was created in House Concurrent Resolution 201 of the 2007 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session to study and make recommendations to the 2008 Louisiana Legislature with respect to medication access, cost and delivery no later than April 30, 2008.

The Medication Access and Cost Study Committee is composed of 12 appointed members who represent various pharmaceutical associations, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the Louisianan Department of Insurance, the Office of Group Benefits, and the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy.

For additional information on the meeting or the purpose of the committee, please call Thomas Clemons at (225) 219-4772.

The agenda is as follows:

· Opening Remarks

· Introduction of New Member – Karen Reiners Winfrey

· Approval of January 22, 2008 Meeting Minutes

· Transparency – Regina Benjamin, National Community Pharmacists Association

· Transparency – Dr. Robert I. Garis, School of Pharmacy and Health Professionals, Creighton University

· Industry Position: Health Plans’ Perspectives on Transparency – Gil Dupre, Louisiana Association of Health Plans

· Discussion on Next Meetings and Draft Report

· Public Comments

· Adjourn

Future meetings of the Medication Access and Cost Study Committee:

· March 18 - Coordination and Appropriate Usage of Medication and Coordination of Indigent Programs

· April 1 - Discussion on the Outline of the Legislative Report

· April 15 - Presentation of the Draft Report

· April 24 - Presentation of the Final Report and Committee Wrap-up