SENATE MEMORIAL 72

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO STUDY THE DISPARITY IN CO-PAYMENTS BETWEEN ORALLY AND INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED MEDICATIONS.

     WHEREAS, the emergence of clinically proven safe and effective orally and intravenously administered medications has significantly increased treatment options for patients; and

     WHEREAS, doctors have significantly improved the care of patients by using both orally and intravenously administered medications; and

     WHEREAS, greater patient out-of-pocket cost creates a barrier for orally administered medications; and

     WHEREAS, medical benefits distinguish between prescription pharmaceuticals and medical treatments; and

     WHEREAS, intravenously administered medications are typically covered by medical treatment benefits and require only an office visit co-payment, but orally administered medications are typically covered by prescription drug benefits and require a significant co-payment to fill the prescription at a pharmacy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to identify the disparity in patient co-payments between orally and intravenously administered medications and study the reasons for the disparity and report to the legislative health and human services committee by September 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of health.

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