The House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Brown seeks to establish the Louisiana Alternative Funding Program Task Force, which will be tasked with studying the effects of alternative funding programs on patient access to affordable prescription drugs. The resolution highlights the critical importance of ensuring that patients in Louisiana have access to necessary medications, noting that a significant percentage of health coverage plans are either using or considering the use of alternative funding programs. These programs have raised concerns as they may lead to the removal of health plan coverage for specialty drugs, potentially misclassifying patients as uninsured or underinsured, which could hinder their access to patient assistance programs.

The task force will be composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Insurance, medical societies, health plans, and pharmaceutical organizations. It will investigate the prevalence and business models of alternative funding programs, their impact on patient assistance programs, and the implications for prescription drug coverage across different health insurance products. The task force is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2024, after which it will be dissolved. The resolution emphasizes the need for sustainable patient assistance programs to ensure that they remain available for those who genuinely need them.