(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed HB 543 today, a bill relating to Medicaid prescription drug coverage. The bill passed the House by a vote of 31-3.

The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services is developing a preferred drug list (PDL) that will act as a cost containment measure to help control the rising costs of health care for our seniors. The legislature's concern is that this not be done at the expense of quality health care for Alaskans. HB 543 will allow a physician to override the preferred drug list in cases where it is medically necessary.

House Speaker Pete Kott was pleased that the House passed the bill. "The PDL was implemented as a cost containment measure. And while this is an admirable goal, I do not believe we should get between a doctor and his or her patient. Saving money is desirable, but ensuring that Alaskans get their proper medication is critical. The state should not be making medical decisions."

Representative Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) supported this legislation. "It is important that we do all we can to cut costs in the area of Medicaid. But it is equally important that we preserve and respect the doctor/patient relationship." She went on to say, "Not every patient responds to the same drugs in the same way. Where medically necessary, it is essential that doctors be able to give their patients the proper medication and care."

HB 543 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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