Legislation to update Kentucky's existing Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) transparency law was referred to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee on Thursday, after the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Cabinet stated that SB 117 would increase cost for Kentucky's Medicaid program.

The second week of the 2016 Regular Session was filled with many more bills being introduced and more talk of passing a General Fund Budget early. Most of the talk was centered on the Republicans House Lottery Bill which was voted out of committee and might reach the floor next week.

A statewide series of 15 provider forums will be held in February and March for physicians, hospital officials and other interested healthcare professionals who want to learn more about how the Agency’s implementation of Regional Care Organizations will impact them.

This week the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing on the prescription drug market. NCPA took the opportunity to weigh in by submitting comments related to the need for increased transparency into the business practices and potential conflicts of interests of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) corporations.

More than one-third of this year's legislative session is behind us as Friday marked Day 22 of the 60-day legislative session in Kentucky. The General Assembly delivered the first bill to clear both chambers to the governor this week.