Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

SB 2384 sets a legal limit on how much Rhode Island state programs, public employee health plans, and participating employer health plans can pay for certain prescription drugs. It prohibits these entities from purchasing or reimbursing drugs above a federal "maximum fair price" rate established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Any savings generated from this price cap must be used to lower costs for enrollees, with annual reports required to track how savings address health equity gaps. The bill applies to drugs covered under federal law (P.L. 117-169) and includes fines of $1,000 per violation for noncompliance.

Provides for fair pharmacy reimbursement from a pharmacy benefit manager, and also provides anti-discrimination prohibitions in regard to non-affiliated pharmacies or pharmacists.

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Requires health plans that provide prescription benefits to cover at least one type of glucagon auto-injector, nasal spray, or formulation that does not require reconstitution to treat hypoglycemia. No copayment or deductible would be required.