 multi-state drug purchasing pool Pool allows states to negotiate better discounts for prescription drugs April 23, 2004
"This innovative program brings the buying power of five state Medicaid programs to the table, and enables us all to negotiate larger discounts on prescription drugs from pharmaceutical manufacturers," Governor Frank H. Murkowski said. "I am pleased that Alaska has participated with the handful of states taking this step - we are out ahead of the rest of the nation in this program." "However," Murkowski said, "the most critical thing this multi-state purchasing pool does is protect and preserve health coverage for Alaska seniors and children receiving Medicaid." Prescription drug costs to the State are anticipated to exceed $100 million in FY04. "This purchasing pool will save the State millions of dollars for Medicaid beneficiaries, and ensure that they receive therapeutically effective prescription drugs at the best price we can negotiate." DHSS Commissioner Joel Gilbertson said. The State is still free to develop a preferred drug list in addition to participating in the drug purchasing pool. The Alaska preferred drug list is under development by DHSS and should be implemented by mid-May, Gilbertson said. The multi-state pool purchasing power, combined with the Medicaid Preferred Drug List, will save the State up to an estimated $20 million annually. The Medicaid Preferred Drug List will contain costs for prescription drugs provided to those receiving Medicaid. The list will contain recommendations selected by Alaska physicians and pharmacists, on drugs that are proven to be the most efficacious, cost-effective and safe. According to Commissioner Gilbertson, to date, 27 manufacturers have agreed to provide additional discounts to the participating states. "Other states are interested in joining the pool, and the greater the volume we represent, the better position we'll be in to negotiate larger discounts for Alaska Medicaid beneficiaries," Gilbertson said. The multi-state prescription
drug initiative, which took over a year to win approval from
the Federal government, will also benefit federal programs when
states reduce their prescription drug expenditures. " Federal
Health & Human Services staff serving Alaska worked diligently
and successfully for this initiative," Gilbertson said.
"The federal government gains substantial savings for the
Medicaid program and that ultimately ensures that Medicaid benefits
for needy Alaskans can continue."
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