Huntington, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Joint Committee on Insurance and PEIA met on Sunday, May 7 in Marshall University’s Memorial Student Center in Huntington, WV as part of this month’s interim study committee meetings.
Independent Pharmacy Concerns
Matt Walker, a lobbyist representing the West Virginia Independent Pharmacy Association, spoke first. Walker advocated for a a change in how PEIA reimburses pharmacies for the cost of prescription medicines.
Citing a pervasive “lack of trust” in the goodwill of PEIA’s plan benefits manager (PBM) by independent pharmacists, he proposed a more transparent pricing model, such as the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Otherwise, Walker contended, more pharmacies may join Kroger in refusing to accept PEIA prescription coverage.
Delegate Amy Summers (R-Taylor, 73), Chairwoman of the House Health & Human Resources Committee, expressed concern that model legislation based on NADAC could result in some people losing drug coverage. Walker countered that, on some expensive medicines, the dispensing cost may rise a few dollars, but the total cost may drop by several thousand dollars.
Delegate Heather Tully (R-Nicholas, 49), Summers’ top deputy on House HHR, requested a list of top ten loss-leaders by the August interims and Delegate Matthew Rohrbach (R – Cabell, 26), the JCIP co-chair, clarified that Kroger parted ways with all Express Scripts clients nationwide.
BRIM 101
Melody Duke, Executive Director of the WV Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM), presented next.
Duke gave a history of the organization, elaborated on how BRIM is the sole purchaser of insurance for state government, and reviewed how the agency handles settlements for sexual harassment, etc.
BRIM is additionally authorized to act as an alternative source of help if cities, counties, or public service districts are either unavailable or unfeasible.
Concerns & Discussion
Citing the strain that some settlements for covered non-profit agencies have placed on BRIM and their funding reserves, Senator Eric Tarr (R-Putnam, 4) requested a list of covered non-profit agencies and arranged to meet with BRIM leaders in the future to discuss some questions in detail.
Delegate Steve Westfall (R-Jackson, 16), an insurance agent by trade, asked for and received some technical clarifications on soaring premiums for Boards of Education.
Expansion of statutes of limitations on some sexual abuse claims can cause a financial strain for BRIM if reserves are not managed judiciously, closed Duke.