Senate Bill 50 aims to enhance access to healthcare and reduce costs associated with prescription drugs in Wisconsin. The bill eliminates all cost-sharing payments for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program, also known as BadgerCare. It also establishes a cap on insulin costs, prohibiting health insurance policies from charging more than $35 for a one-month supply of insulin. Additionally, the bill imposes fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, ensuring transparency in their dealings with health plan sponsors. It also prohibits lower reimbursements for certain entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program and allows for partnerships with out-of-state drug repository programs to facilitate drug donations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of insulin. It mandates insulin manufacturers to create programs for uninsured or underinsured individuals in urgent need of insulin, allowing pharmacies to dispense insulin at a capped copayment. The bill also requires manufacturers to establish patient assistance programs for qualifying residents, ensuring they can obtain insulin at no charge under certain conditions. To support these efforts, the bill includes provisions for the licensure of pharmacy services administrative organizations and pharmaceutical representatives, as well as the establishment of a prescription drug importation program. Overall, Senate Bill 50 seeks to address the rising costs of healthcare and prescription medications while ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to necessary treatments.