#TXLEGE: Repeal THIS protectionist racket for a small-ball health care win

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,"
Ephesians 3:20

Did you know that Texas has some of the most restrictive laws on who can provide medication in the country?!?  Neither did we, until we attended this afternoon's TPPF event: "Physician Dispense Laws: Can Texas Make Medications More Affordable?" Texas is worse than California on this.

Currently in Texas, if a Doctor writes a prescription, the patient is required by law to make a separate trip to a pharmacy to fill the prescription.  This despite the fact that it's legal in 46 other states for a doctor to dispense medication in their office.  That's asinine, and it drives up costs to consumers.

In some cases, those cost increases are dramatic: Panelists mentioned cost escalations of 60% to 80% on some drugs.

Fortunately, there's hope: HB 460, by Matt Shaheen, would address this issue.  The bill was heard last week.  It's currently pending in committee.

Shaheen specifically asked the public to talk to members of the Public Health committee.  Senfronia Thompson is chair.  We'll post her office contact info below.

If we're ever going to fix the health care system, this sort of small-ball effort is how you build the credibility necessary for that sort of undertaking.

Bottom Line: Honestly, the fact that California is better than us on this issue speaks for itself.

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Representative Senfronia Thompson:
Chair, House Committee on Public Health
(512) 463-0720

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