NCSL: Aug. 9 Panel Sessions

Prescription Drugs and Costs: Challenges and Opportunities

11 am – 12:15 pm
W187

Break-through products such as biologics and specialty drugs promise extended lives or first-ever cures for individuals. Yet some price tags in this $310 billion U.S. market have shocked those who foot the bill—including state governments, Medicaid, employers, health insurers and patients themselves. States are considering a variety of legislation to rein in costs, assist consumers or shift the burden. Terms such as "medically necessary," "medication adherence," "fail first," "preferred drug lists," "value-based purchasing" and "interchangeable biosimilar substitution" make state capitals sound like pharmacies. Hear state and medical experts sort out the headlines, the noise and the results so far.

• Panelist: Richard Ascroft, JD, RPh, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. for PhRMA, Illinois
• Panelist: Stephen Fitton, Health Management Association/Former Michigan Medicaid, Michigan
• Panelist: Chuck Shih, PHD, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C.

Improving End-of-Life Care: A Better End

12:15-1:30 pm
W185bc

With advances in modern medicine, Americans face more options regarding the care they receive at the end of life. In this lunch session, hear about a range of topics related to end-of-life decisions and empowering individuals.

• Speaker: Amy Vandenbroucke, The National POLST Office, Oregon, consultant to The Pew Charitable Trusts