Since the mid-1970s states have been establishing and expanding programs that assist the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill to purchase and acquire pharmaceuticals. Prescription drug assistance is available through Medicaid, state pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs), and discount programs—all of which vary by state.

As the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise and new life-saving drugs come on the market, states are actively looking at ways to both control rising costs and to offer needed medications to its residents.

The NGA Center for Best Practices, in its prescription drug work, will:

• Monitor and track state efforts to provide pharmaceutical assistance to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the uninsured;
• Report on trends in pharmaceutical coverage, costs, and cost containment strategies;
• Facilitate rapid state-to-state communication and state-to-federal communication on technical issues; and
• Provide research and analysis for states on emerging issues and state best practices.

Related Links:

• State Attorneys General and Pharmaceuticals: Writing a New Prescription to Curtail Drug Costs
  This report from the National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School summarizes the efforts of states and their Attorneys General to curtain state spending on pharmaceuticals, offering specific solutions currently employed by various states for consideration.