Month: May 2017
Senator Osten E-News: Remembering on Memorial Day
Senator Looney and Senator Fasano Applaud Passage of Legislation Enhancing Pharmaceutical Transparency and Consumer Protection
Senator Looney and Senator Fasano Applaud Passage of Legislation Enhancing Pharmaceutical Transparency and Consumer Protection
Today Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-North Haven) applauded the Senate’s bipartisan efforts to pass important patient-friendly legislation.
The health care bill passed by the Senate today with unanimous support will help increase transparency regarding pharmaceutical costs, prevent consumers from paying more for prescription drugs than the drug actually costs and ensure fair competition to benefit consumers.
Senate Bill 445 extends Sen. Looney and Sen. Fasano’s efforts over several years to implement significant health care reforms in the state of Connecticut.
A major portion of the bill addresses fairness in pharmacy benefit manager contracts. The bill eliminates restrictive “gag clauses” that prevent pharmacists from sharing price information with their patients, especially as it relates to lower cost options. It also bans “claw back” provisions which result in consumers paying more than a prescription actually costs.
For example, if a consumer goes to a pharmacy and pays a $20 co-pay, this co-pay is agreed to by the pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) and the insurers who hire the PBM. Pharmacists are reimbursed for the price of the drug (sometimes a small service fee) which could be just $5 and the PBM pockets the difference, in this case $15, as a secret claw back. In some cases, patients could actually receive their prescription drug for a lower price if they pay out of pocket and not through their insurance policy. Similar legislation has been adopted in other states including Louisiana, Arkansas, and Maine and has passed the Texas legislature.
“This bipartisan legislation outlaws anti-consumer practices that have contributed to rising prescription drug prices and led to Connecticut residents being price gauged at pharmacy counter,” said Senator Looney. “In addition, our bill ‘requires that facility fee notices include a telephone number that the patient can call to get more information including the estimated exact amount of the fee.’ Also, the legislation addresses surprise bills for service from clinical laboratories and requires patient consent in writing for out of network services.”
“This legislation is intended to protect consumers here in Connecticut,” said Senator Fasano. “Pharmacists should not be prohibited from disclosing relevant information about the cost of treatment options. At the end of the day this is about making healthcare more affordable for Connecticut residents and protecting our consumers,” said Sen. Fasano. “The profits that these companies make on claw backs is shocking, these profits should not be bank-rolled on the backs of our hard-working families, and this legislation protects against that practice.”
Another provision of the bill addresses fair competition for the benefit of Connecticut consumers, specifically in regard to anti-trust laws. Connecticut is one of only 12 states that had not clarified their anti-trust laws to protect consumers. The bill explains that a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer cannot avoid liability for price fixing or other anticompetitive behavior simply because the consumer was not a “direct purchaser” of a product. Specifically in the pharmaceutical and health care market consumers are almost never the “direct purchaser” of a product, often times a much needed drug. This will allow consumers and the state, if they have been injured by anticompetitive behavior that violates our antitrust laws to have their day in court.
The bill also clarifies the definition of facility fee, requires notice of a facility fee at the time of scheduling an appointment, and requires that facility fee written notices include telephone numbers so that patients can find out the exact amount a facility fee would cost them. This is intended to provide more cost information to patients early on so they can better plan for their medical care.
“Transparency is the greatest tool we have to combat unsustainable drug cost increases and help Connecticut residents make the best decisions regarding their health,” said Senator Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee. “We have heard far too many instances of skyrocketing prices keeping medicine out of the hands of the people who need it. Passing this bill will shed light on prescription drug pricing, reducing costs and making our health system work better for everyone.”
“It is our job as legislators to always protect our constituents,” said Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton), Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee. “This legislation is about taking proactive steps to ensure accountability for anti-competitive behavior and safeguarding consumers from non-transparent pricing.”
Moore Welcomes 5th Grade Essay Contest Winner to the State Capitol
Moore Welcomes 5th Grade Essay Contest Winner to the State Capitol
Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) today was joined at the State Capitol by Monroe Elementary School student Harini Gosukonda, the winner of the senator’s 2017 5th Grade Essay Contest.
Harini, her parents, and older sister, began their day in Hartford with a tour of the Capitol where they learned about Connecticut’s wonderful history.
“I was so impressed by Harini’s interest in our Capitol Building, our library, and state politics. She had so many great questions, which my staff and I were happy to answer,” Senator Moore said. “She’s a smart girl with a bright future ahead of her. I want to thank Harini for being a leader in our community and encourage other kids in the 22nd District to do the same.”
Wednesday was a perfect day for the visit. The senate was in session, so Senator Moore was able to introduce Harini to senate colleagues and the lieutenant governor. Even more exciting, the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo was also visiting the Capitol and brought dozens of reptiles along with them. Harini, who loves animals, was especially happy to learn about the snakes and fearlessly asked the zookeeper to place one on her shoulders.
Earlier this month, Sen. Moore visited Monroe Elementary School to announce Harini as the winner of this year’s essay contest. The subject was “What Would I do to Make My Town a Better Place.” Harini’s essay was chosen out of the entire 5th-grade class at Monroe Elementary School.
Harini is a student in Mrs. Iannantuoni’s 5th-grade class with a passion for reading and helping others. In her winning essay, Harini wrote about collecting toys for local children’s hospitals and distributing mini-libraries throughout the town.
Osten Welcomes Senate Passage of Casino Gaming in Connecticut
Osten Welcomes Senate Passage of Casino Gaming in Connecticut
Early this morning, state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) welcomed state Senate passage of Senate Bill 957, An Act Concerning the Regulation of Gaming and the Authorization of a Casino Gaming Facility in the State.
The bill passed on a bipartisan 24-12 Senate vote around 12:30 a.m. today and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“From the very beginning, all of the talk and planning around another gaming facility in Connecticut has, for me, been about protecting jobs in Connecticut. That’s all,” said Sen. Osten, who was one of the early and most vocal proponents of the bill. “There are 140 towns in this state that send residents to southeastern Connecticut every day to work at one of the two casinos there. This is a Connecticut jobs bill, one that protects jobs for middle-class workers, our neighbors, our friends and our family. The bill we passed this evening helps protect those jobs, and I am proud to stand with Connecticut workers willingly.”
Senate Bill 957 authorizes the operation of one off-reservation casino gaming facility in East Windsor to be operated by MMCT (the Mashantucket Pequot tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut) once certain conditions are met. In addition to the retention of 9,300 existing jobs, the East Windsor casino is expected to create 1,700 construction jobs, and 1,700 casino facility operation jobs—1,275 of which will be permanent, full time positions—and generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the State of Connecticut.
Under the legislation, there would be a 25 percent tax on slot revenues and a 25 percent tax on table games; 15 percent of the tax on table games would be dedicated to Connecticut’s statewide tourism marketing account, while 10 percent would be returned to the state’s general fund. Additionally, MMCT would establish a grant fund in the amount of $4.5 million which would be distributed to surrounding communities, including $750,000 each to Hartford and East Hartford because of their status as distressed municipalities. The tribes have also made a tacit agreement to give preference to the local community, Hartford and East Hartford when hiring employees.
The tribes have also made a tacit agreement to give preference to the local community, Hartford and East Hartford when hiring employees.
Tim Larson Leads Passage of Critical Casino Jobs Bill in Senate
Tim Larson Leads Passage of Critical Casino Jobs Bill in Senate
Senate Senator Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) led passage of a critical piece of legislation to protect and grow casino and tourism jobs in Connecticut in the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Senate Bill 957, An Act Concerning The Regulation Of Gaming And The Authorization Of A Casino Gaming Facility In The State, passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 24 to 12.
The bill authorizes MMCT, a joint venture between the Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, to operate a third satellite casino in East Windsor.
“Connecticut’s gaming industry has been invaluable to our state over the last 20-plus years, infusing $7 billion dollars into our state’s coffers and reinvigorating the economy in eastern Connecticut,” said Sen. Larson. “This is a jobs bill at its core. The Mohegans and Pequots have been excellent partners to our state and are the backbone of our tourism economy. Connecticut stands to lose more than 9,000 service industry jobs as a direct result of the MGM casino being built just over the Massachusetts border in Springfield, and this third casino will stem the bleeding of jobs and funds that would surely occur without taking this action. The tribes and their employees deserve the support of the Connecticut legislature and I am proud that we are providing it.”
In addition to the retention of 9,300 existing jobs, the East Windsor casino is expected to create 1,700 construction jobs, and 1,700 casino facility operation jobs—1,275 of which will be permanent, full time positions—and generate tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue to the State of Connecticut.
“From the very beginning, all of the talk and planning around another gaming facility in Connecticut has, for me, been about protecting jobs in Connecticut. That’s all,” said state Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague), one of the early and most vocal proponents of the bill. “There are 140 towns in this state that send residents to southeastern Connecticut every day to work at one of the two casinos there. This is a Connecticut jobs bill, one that protects jobs for middle-class workers, our neighbors, our friends and our family. The bill we passed this evening helps protect those jobs, and I am proud to stand with Connecticut workers willingly.”
“While final authorization will be subject to various conditions, including approval by the General Assembly of amendments to the existing compact between the Tribes and State, this was an important step in the process,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Connecticut’s gaming industry has been invaluable to the state over the last 25 years, infusing billions into our state’s coffers helping cities like Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven and small towns alike, hire teachers, police officers and firefighters and provide critical services. Senator Larson and Senator Osten have fought every step of the way to protect Connecticut jobs and Connecticut workers.”
“Today, led by Senator Larson and Senator Osten, the State Senate voted to protect 9,000 good-paying jobs for Connecticut residents,” said Senate Majority Leader Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “This sector of our economy is vital to the region and state. Failure to act would have a devastating impact on our future.”
Under the legislation, there would be a 25 percent tax on slot revenues and a 25 percent tax on table games; 15 percent of the tax on table games would be dedicated to Connecticut’s statewide tourism marketing account, while 10 percent would be returned to the state’s general fund.
Additionally, MMCT would establish a grant fund in the amount of $4.5 million which would be distributed to surrounding communities, including $750,000 each to Hartford and East Hartford because of their status as distressed municipalities.
The tribes have also made a tacit agreement to give preference to the local community, Hartford and East Hartford when hiring employees.
Senate Bill 957 paves the path for the construction of the third “off-reservation” casino and puts in place regulations for operation of the gaming facility. The bill goes next to the State House of Representatives. Should it gain passage in that chamber and be signed into law by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, authorization would be contingent on the following conditions:
- The Governor and the tribes enter into an amendment to the state-tribal compacts and MOUs concerning the operation of an off-reservation casino, which must include a provision that the authorization of MMCT to operate and off-reservation casino does not terminate the moratorium agreement against slot operation on the tribes’ reservations.
- An amendment to the tribal compacts is agreed to by the Governor, approved by the Legislature and the U.S. Department of Interior.
- The tribes must waive sovereign immunity with respect to any action brought by or against the State concerning the off-reservation casino and agree to bring such action against the State to the Superior Court.
- The authorization for the casino applies to the MMCT Venture and it must remain a limited liability company owned exclusively by the tribes in which each tribe holds at least 25 percent equity interest in MMCT or the authorization would be void.
Osten, Larson Support Governor Malloy’s Endorsement of Tribal Casino Gaming Option
Osten, Larson Support Governor Malloy’s Endorsement of Tribal Casino Gaming Option
Democratic State Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) today welcomed public comments by Governor Dannel P. Malloy that he would consider signing a bill granting the owners of Connecticut’s two tribal casinos permission to build a commercial casino in East Windsor to compete with MGM Resorts International in Springfield.
The governor’s comments were published today in The Connecticut Mirror.
“I want to thank the governor for his recognition of the enormous impact that a new casino could have on retaining and growing thousands of jobs here in Connecticut,” Senator Osten said. “I believe it’s also important to caution against the unknown consequences of approving any other casino agreement that could jeopardize our historic legal agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations. The governor’s comments today provide the legislature with a single, clear path forward on the issue of casino expansion in Connecticut, one that I believe is both reasonable and necessary to protect and grow our economy.”
“I would like to thank Governor Malloy for sharing his support for our tribal partners,” Sen. Larson said. “Senator Osten and I have worked closely with the Mohegans and the Pequots on this legislation for well over a year, because we believe they have been excellent business partners who have been truly invested in our state and our communities. The joint venture in East Windsor will create thousands of construction and full-time jobs for the region, and protect one of Connecticut’s most important revenue streams. I appreciate that the governor respects how important the tribes have been to our state over the last 20 years.”
Osten, Larson Support Governor Malloy’s Endorsement of Tribal Casino Gaming Option
Osten, Larson Support Governor Malloy’s Endorsement of Tribal Casino Gaming Option
Democratic State Senators Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) and Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) today welcomed public comments by Governor Dannel P. Malloy that he would consider signing a bill granting the owners of Connecticut’s two tribal casinos permission to build a commercial casino in East Windsor to compete with MGM Resorts International in Springfield.
The governor’s comments were published today in The Connecticut Mirror.
“I want to thank the governor for his recognition of the enormous impact that a new casino could have on retaining and growing thousands of jobs here in Connecticut,” Senator Osten said. “I believe it’s also important to caution against the unknown consequences of approving any other casino agreement that could jeopardize our historic legal agreement with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations. The governor’s comments today provide the legislature with a single, clear path forward on the issue of casino expansion in Connecticut, one that I believe is both reasonable and necessary to protect and grow our economy.”
“I would like to thank Governor Malloy for sharing his support for our tribal partners,” Sen. Larson said. “Senator Osten and I have worked closely with the Mohegans and the Pequots on this legislation for well over a year, because we believe they have been excellent business partners who have been truly invested in our state and our communities. The joint venture in East Windsor will create thousands of construction and full-time jobs for the region, and protect one of Connecticut’s most important revenue streams. I appreciate that the governor respects how important the tribes have been to our state over the last 20 years.”