State News

A report released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation finds racism is
preventing people of color, and those who don’t speak English as their primary language, from
receiving the same quality of healthcare that white people get, reports Mass Live. While the
report notes the progress that has been made toward addressing the cause and effects of
racism, there is still more work to be done. Efforts need to be coordinated and bring
stakeholders together in new ways, according to the foundation.

As of January 1, 2024 all California residents, regardless of immigration status or age, will be
eligible for Medi-Cal—California’s Medicaid Program—reports ABC News. The program is
expected to provide full health care coverage for approximately 700,000 residents aged 26-49
who were not previously eligible.

A legislative report released by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services highlights health
care affordability challenges affecting the state's aging population, reports The Journal Record.
The report explains that seniors throughout the state are concerned about the cost of health
care and the lack of affordable transportation to services. Similarly, when asked about
recommendations to address other concerns, interview participants responded that the state
needs to examine opportunities address the deficit in affordable prescription drugs and medical
equipment.

Data from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon shows that even after accounting for rebates,
spending on prescription drugs has continued to grow at an unaffordable rate, according to
Health Affairs Forefront. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon collect aggregate spending
data from payers as part of their cost growth targets and found that accounting for prescription
drug rebates did not lower spending growth to an affordable level, relative to household income
level, in the commercial market. Between 2018 and 2021, average retail prescription drug
spending in these states grew between 6.0 percent and 9.2 percent; accounting for rebates
reduced spending growth to between 3.2 percent and 6.1 percent during this time period.

Data from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon shows that even after accounting for rebates,
spending on prescription drugs has continued to grow at an unaffordable rate, according to
Health Affairs Forefront. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon collect aggregate spending
data from payers as part of their cost growth targets and found that accounting for prescription
drug rebates did not lower spending growth to an affordable level, relative to household income
level, in the commercial market. Between 2018 and 2021, average retail prescription drug
spending in these states grew between 6.0 percent and 9.2 percent; accounting for rebates
reduced spending growth to between 3.2 percent and 6.1 percent during this time period.

Data from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon shows that even after accounting for rebates,
spending on prescription drugs has continued to grow at an unaffordable rate, according to
Health Affairs Forefront. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon collect aggregate spending
data from payers as part of their cost growth targets and found that accounting for prescription
drug rebates did not lower spending growth to an affordable level, relative to household income
level, in the commercial market. Between 2018 and 2021, average retail prescription drug
spending in these states grew between 6.0 percent and 9.2 percent; accounting for rebates
reduced spending growth to between 3.2 percent and 6.1 percent during this time period.

Colorado’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) has appointed 15 people to the
Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Council, hosted a five-part learning series, adopted
rules and policies to guide their work, and selected five drugs for affordability review, according
to NASHP. The board has created opportunities for stakeholders to engage and provide
feedback to incorporate consumer voices in its decision-making. In the upcoming year, the
board will continue to review affordability review summary reports and, if a drug is deemed
unaffordable, consider setting an upper payment limit.

Missouri has launched a statewide prescription drug monitoring program, reports the Columbia
Missourian. The program requires pharmacies to document when they dispense prescribed
Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances to patients and make dispensation information for
such substances available to prescribers, dispensers, and healthcare providers. Prescription
drug monitoring programs are recognized as an effective way to improve patient safety, reduce
low-value care and decrease health care costs related to inappropriate prescribing and drug
related injuries.

Affordable health insurance is a significant concern among South Carolinians, reports ABC 15
News. The 2023 Health Assessment report composed by the South Carolina Department of
Health and Environmental Control and the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina describes the
top health issues facing South Carolinians, including: access to care; obesity, nutrition, and
physical activity; substance use; and mental health.