As prescription prices continue to rise nationally and statewide, Alabama legislative leaders are beginning to look for solutions to solve the growing problem.

With this goal in mind, state Rep. Philip Rigsby (R-Huntsville) has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that he believes could play an important role in addressing rising prices.

Supporters of Rigsby's bill say the Fair Care Act will guarantee patient access to health care, increase transparency in prescription drug pricing, strengthen free market competition, and ensure patients have access to the pharmacies of their choice. It is claimed that it will be. Alabama.

Not all health care organizations in the state support the law. The Alabama Health Care Consumers Union, for example, quickly objected.

Alliance Executive Director Robin Stone expressed deep concerns about HB 238.

“This law places a completely unfair financial burden on the 2.75 million Alabama consumers who receive drug benefits through their employers,” Stone said. “Alabama families are suffering from rising prices and cannot afford additional prescription taxes that do nothing to improve quality of care or expand access to care.

“Congress should reject this proposal, which increases the burden on consumers while ignoring the real problem of rising prescription prices: drug costs set by manufacturers. HB238 will only encourage higher drug prices. ”

Stone also said the bill contains hidden taxes that would negatively impact Alabama's finances.

“This law includes a sham tax that adds $10.64 to every prescription dispensed to someone receiving drug benefits in Alabama,” he said. “Taxes on prescriptions would be collected and redistributed to pharmacies as 'dispensing fees.' For individuals, this would cost an estimated $275 per person per year. For a family of four, it would cost $1,100 per year. You will have to pay an additional charge of USD.

“The total projected cost of this new tax is $800 million annually.”

CJ Pearson, a prominent conservative candidate for Georgia's state legislature and a University of Alabama graduate, called the bill “disastrous.”

URGENT: Alabama House Bill 238 is a dire proposal that threatens Alabama businesses. Let's analyze:

Increased consumer costs: The bill imposes an additional $10 fee on each prescription, costing Alabama families an estimated $1,100 in additional costs.

— CJ Pearson (@thecjpearson) March 5, 2024

Two prominent medical organizations in the state took the opposite path and supported the proposed bill.

The American Pharmacy Association called on the public to contact their representatives in Congress to express their support.

“Out-of-control prescription prices impact everyone in Alabama, and we applaud Rep. Rigsby for introducing the FAIR MEDS Act to ensure patients across the state can afford their medications,” said APA CEO. . Louise Jones. “We urge all Alabamians to urge their representatives to pass this desperately needed legislation without delay.”

American Cooperative Pharmacy CEO Tim Hamrick He said the bill would help expand health care access.

“The FAIR Meds Act will help patients, employers, and Alabama It increases pharmacy transparency and improves access to care,” Hamrick said. “We are proud to work with APA to provide a unified voice in support of this bill.”

A similar law in Tennessee ensures that patients have access to the pharmacy of their choice and that pharmacies receive appropriate compensation for medications and dispensing. This law is enforced by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.