Thread by @MattRosendale

Today is the deadline for action on Senate Bill 71, Montana's groundbreaking approach to lowering prescription drug costs. As we wait to hear whether or not SB 71 will become law, here's a recap of how we got here. THREAD:
#mtpol #mtleg #mtnews

From @K_Hought: "the data tied to the settlement will help reveal the pharmaceutical industry’s opaque operations in Montana"

We launched a massive research project and Drug Savings Initiative to get to the bottom of the problem. bozemandailychronicle.com/news/health/ph… #mtpol #mtleg

From the beginning, we knew industry lobbyists were going to fight us every step of the way.

From @hollykmichels: "The commissioner’s office is expecting opposition during the session from lobbyists in the industries it is targeting."
billingsgazette.com/news/state-and… #mtpol #mtleg

Senate Bill 71 was the legislative product of our extensive investigation.

@LarisaNBCMT: "A bill up for debate aims to lower prescription drug prices for Montanans"
nbcmontana.com/news/local/sta… #mtpol #mtleg

We estimate SB 71 will save consumers LOTS of money on their medications.

From @KiaGardner: "If passed, the legislation would save Montanans an estimated $8 million during its first year."
dailyinterlake.com/local_news/201… #mtpol #mtleg

SB 71 works by ending bad practices.

From @mikedennison: "reducing drug prices for consumers, by forbidding practices by drug managers that inflate prices and pass those higher costs on to insurers."
kxlh.com/news/montana-p… #mtpol #mtleg

And by ensuring that insurers are responsible as the "general contractors" in the system.

@amybethhanson: "The bill regulates pharmacy benefit managers through the insurance companies, which could be fined for violations"
apnews.com/c90d97d3765f4f… #mtpol #mtleg

And here's more on how that works, from @mollypriddy: "Rosendale likened the PBM role as a subcontractor for the insurance company, acting as the general contractor."
flatheadbeacon.com/2019/02/06/kal… #mtpol #mtleg

SB 71 is leading the nation.

@DraguReporter: "The bill’s sponsor, senator and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Al Olszewski, R-Kalispell, believes Montana could lead the way in what could be the start of nationwide reform."
havreherald.com/2019/02/13/wil… #mtpol #mtleg

SB 71 was supported by doctors, pharmacists, & others throughout Montana.

"If the general public knew the significant effect of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on drug costs, “there would be torches and pitchforks outside this room”"
havreherald.com/2019/03/27/loc… #mtpol #mtleg

The bill passed with strong, bipartisan support in both chambers. It was sponsored by a Republican & carried by a Democrat.

@clccarney: "Senate Bill 71 already passed out of the Senate on a 37-13 vote. Pierson is carrying the bill in the House."
mtpr.org/post/rosendale… #mtpol

"The House voted 82-18 to approve second reading of the bill" once it got through the Senate. @GFTrib_PDrake

The ONLY opposition during the entire process was from industry lobbyists.
greatfallstribune.com/story/news/201… #mtpol #mtleg

Now today we will learn whether Montanans will save millions thanks to the reforms in SB 71.

@mikedennison: "they would “have to make sure” only if SB71 becomes law — and health insurers and PBMs are trying to prevent that from happening."

ktvh.com/news/2019/05/0… #mtpol #mtleg