The proposed bill, Substitute Senate Bill No. 11 (sSB11), aims to improve prescription drug access and affordability in Connecticut by implementing several key provisions. Effective July 1, 2025, the bill introduces definitions for various prescription drug-related terms and establishes price caps for identified drugs, which pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesale distributors cannot exceed starting January 1, 2026. The price caps will be adjusted based on the consumer price index, with exceptions for drugs in shortage as determined by federal authorities. The bill also imposes civil penalties for violations of these pricing regulations, calculated as eighty percent of the revenue difference between actual sales and the reference price, and mandates electronic filing of statements and penalties. Additionally, it establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Council to advise on bulk purchasing negotiations and requires UConn Health to negotiate lower drug prices for state agencies.

Moreover, the bill expands Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs and modifies existing regulations regarding pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) to ensure transparency and fiduciary duties. It introduces a Canadian prescription drug importation program, allowing for the importation of drugs from Canada under strict safety and quality standards, and establishes a task force to address prescription drug shortages. The bill also includes provisions for nursing homes to allocate a minimum percentage of funding to direct resident care and expands emergency Medicaid coverage for specific medical conditions. Overall, sSB11 seeks to enhance the affordability and accessibility of prescription drugs while imposing stricter regulations on pharmaceutical practices and improving healthcare services in the state.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill:
HS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 420: