January 25, 2014
Dear Delegate Jameson and Sponsors of HB0368,
I know you'll be shocked, but I actually like this bill, HB0368, I think. Yes, there is a first time for everything. (smile)
SB0215, and its companion bill HB0280, are designed to try to reduce costs for insurers by eliminating coverage for medications prescribed and dispensed by licensed doctors, a minimal savings at best. I don't like that bill at all for many reasons (see letter sent yesterday on that topic). On the other hand, HB0368 allows injured workers their choice of pharmacies. Brilliant idea!
Insurers do, for example, try to push injured workers into accepting mail order medications from unknown sources even when it is not feasible for the injured worker. Some pharmacies are refunded so little from the insurer and its sub-contractors, such as Express Scripts, that they refuse to fill certain medications at all. Those problems, combined with the fact some insurer's and their sub-contractors can't supply certain prescribed medications (compounded, OTC, first aid related), forces injured workers to use different pharmacies, or get their medications directly from their doctors. Which brings me to my point...
By eliminating HB0280 (and HB0281), and passing HB0368, it gives injured workers, who really need and would appreciate your help, the ability to get their medications either while at the doctor's office (the easiest and most safest route), or at a pharmacy that will be able to provide them. That would be so very helpful and would not cost the insurers any more than they are paying now. And are they strapped for money? No.
IWIF was able to save themselves $5.5 million dollars in 2012 just by establishing a monitoring system to track and intervene in the dispensing of medications by prescribers (the purpose of HB0280), by reducing fees paid to doctors, and by the use of “in-patient care guidelines”. They certainly don't need legislators helping them squeeze even more money from their constituents, or any help taking advantage of people who are hurting.
In summary, please boot HB0280 (and HB0281) out of the arena totally, and pass, unchanged in any way or please don't pass it, HB0368. Thank you for your sincere consideration. Like you, I am trying to make Maryland a better place to live and survive, and it is wonderful to think we can work together doing so.
And don't forget, all of you, do a tick check!
Lucy Barnes, Director
Lyme Disease Education and Support Groups of Maryland
631 Railroad Avenue
Centreville, MD 21617