Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill designed to cut Kansas' costs in providing prescription drugs for poor and disabled residents has received first-round approval in the state Senate.
Senators advanced the bill Tuesday on a voice vote. The proposal would allow the state's Medicaid program to use so-called step therapies for prescriptions that require patients to try less expensive drugs before obtaining more expensive ones.
The Senate expects to take a final vote Wednesday to determine whether the measure passes and goes to the House.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback included the measure in his plan for eliminating a projected deficit of nearly $200 million in the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. His administration believes the state would save nearly $11 million annually.
Critics worry that patients won't get needed medications.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
