Mail Order Prescriptions (S.4463/A.3043) | 2019

April 8th, 2019

AN act to amend the insurance law, in relation to the purchase of prescription drugs

S.4463 (Breslin)

A.3043 (Joyner)

MEMORANDUM IN OPPOSITION

Unshackle Upstate, a non-partisan, pro-taxpayer, pro-economic growth, education and advocacy coalition made up of business and trade organizations from all parts of Upstate New York, opposes this legislation.

If enacted, this bill would effectively eliminate many of the cost-saving measures that insured New Yorkers currently benefit from related to their purchase of prescription drugs and limit the ability of employers to provide affordable coverage.  Specifically, this legislation undermines insurers’ ability to create economies of scale, negotiate lower costs for New York businesses, and ensure quality for consumers. 

Mail order pharmacies have been proven to be a less expensive, high quality alternative for accessing prescription drugs and their existence would be hindered as a result of this bill.  In short, this legislation limits the health care choices for the privately insured and will diminish the effectiveness and efficiencies of mail order pharmacies.    

Unshackle Upstate has consistently been a leader in fighting for the state’s taxpayers and consumers.  With the rising cost of private health insurance as one of the major issues of concern for our members and their employees, we continue to explore opportunities to help keep health insurance affordable in New York State.  The best way to control health care costs is through a robust easily navigable network of health care providers to care for the privately insured.    

This bill would limit choice, opportunity and access for a great number of New Yorkers’ health care needs, while increasing costs. 

For these reasons, Unshackle Upstate opposes the enactment of this legislation.