Healthcare (Insurance)

The Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs Act of 2026 (B 26-0593) authorizes the Mayor to partner with ArrayRX, a multi-state prescription drug discount program, to create a citywide drug discount card program for all District residents. This program would provide access to lower-cost prescription drugs regardless of insurance status (public, private, or none), expanding beyond existing targeted laws like the Insulin Affordability Act. The key mechanism is a cooperative purchasing agreement that leverages collective buying power to secure deeper discounts than individual consumers could achieve. It directly affects all DC residents facing high drug costs, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for medications. The bill does not alter insurance coverage but creates a new access point through this partnership.

This resolution approves a five-year, $806 million contract with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. to provide health insurance coverage for District of Columbia employees, their dependents, and retirees under the D.C. Employees Health Benefits Program. The contract, requested by Mayor Bowser under emergency procedures, replaces the current health benefits provider without requiring a competitive bidding process. It directly affects all District government employees and retirees who receive health benefits through the program. The resolution requires immediate Council approval to take effect.

This bill amends Washington D.C.'s 2010 health insurance law to allow private insurers and Medicaid managed care organizations to count specific social services toward their required medical care spending. It permits including evidence-based programs addressing food insecurity, reentry support for justice-involved individuals, and housing stability services in their medical loss ratio calculation. These services must aim to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for D.C. residents. The bill defines "social determinants of health" as community conditions affecting health, referencing CDC and CMS guidelines. It directly affects D.C. health insurers and managed care plans by expanding eligible expenses under existing insurance regulations.

This resolution requests the Council of the District of Columbia to urgently approve a $806 million, five-year contract with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc. to provide fully insured health benefits to District employees, their dependents, and retirees. It seeks emergency approval under specific legal provisions to ensure timely delivery of these benefits, which the District states can only be obtained through this contract. The resolution bypasses standard legislative review procedures to expedite the contract's implementation. This approval would directly affect over 20,000 District employees and beneficiaries covered under the D.C. Employees Health Benefits Program.