The amendment would only allow Medicaid patients access to generic drugs unless the get prior approval. Senator Edd Houck says patients and health care providers are concerned the change would keep people from getting medication that they need. Houck says it is especially a problem since it would deny the state's lowest income residents and the elderly. The change is designed to save money. Still, Houck says if the generic, often experimental, drugs fail, it could lead to hospitalization, institutionalization and even jail time.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle will likely join together to shoot down the budget amendment. The General Assembly meets for a reconvened budget session next Wednesday.
Listen to Deirdre Blake's story