Rep. Carter's Bill Expanding Rx Refills to 90 Days Passes House

HARTFORD – Representative Dan Carter (R-2) on Wednesday applauded the passage of a bill on the House floor that would authorize pharmacists to refill 90-day supply prescriptions.

“As the ranking member of the General Law Committee, I am happy to see this bill, which was introduced by the Committee, adopted,” said Rep. Carter. “With numerous issues surrounding the sale and coverage of pharmaceuticals today, this is a good step in the right direction towards providing for the welfare of our communities and those who need it most.”

H.B. 5771, An Act Authorizing Pharmacists to Dispense Drugs in Ninety-Day Quantities, will allow customers the option to save money and time in making trips to the pharmacy each month. In order to regulate the application of this bill, it has been agreed that it will not authorize noncontrolled drug prescriptions to be filled in quantities that exceed a ninety-day supply.

The bill also specifies that the patient is eligible for this policy if their health insurance or health benefit plan covers the refill quantity as dispensed, without additional coinsurance, deductible or other out-of-pocket expense. The pharmacists will also be required to notify patients of an available refill the earliest reasonable time after it is made.

The bill now awaits action in the Senate.