The House Concurrent Resolution No. by Representative Brown authorizes the creation of the Louisiana Alternative Funding Program Task Force, which will study the effects of alternative funding programs on patient access to affordable prescription drugs. The resolution highlights the 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 may lead to the removal of coverage for specialty drugs, potentially misclassifying patients as uninsured or underinsured, which could hinder their access to patient assistance programs designed for those in genuine need.

The task force will be composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from health insurance, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups. It will investigate the history and prevalence of alternative funding programs, their business models, and their impact on patient assistance programs and medication coverage. The commissioner of insurance will chair the task force, which is expected to meet as needed and submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations by December 31, 2024. The task force will dissolve upon submission of its report.