This past Wednesday, April 30th, the Health Committee in the California legislature voted unanimously (19-0) passing Assembly Bill 2418 which will improve patient health and lower costs through increased patient adherence and streamlined access to Prescription refills. The bill now goes to the full Assembly Floor for a vote.
The bill allows patients to opt out of mandatory mail order programs, streamlining the refill process and allowing their trusted community pharmacy to educate them about their prescriptions and them improve adherence.
Poor adherence leads to 125,000 deaths and tens of millions of dollars in unnecessary hospitalizations and out patient visits, and as much as $290 billion in wasted spending each year.
Thanks go to Assembly member Susan Bonilla and California Pharmacists Association who co-sponsored the bill.