State Reps. Ginter, Brown Applaud Concurrence of Legislation to Simplify Prescription Process

The Ohio House of Representatives today concurred on Senate amendments to House Bill 116 with broad bipartisan support. This bill, sponsored by State Representatives Tim Ginter (R-Salem) and Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green), seeks to provide for partial drug prescription refills for the purpose of synchronizing multiple prescriptions for one patient.

“After a very thorough vetting process, I am pleased that House Bill 116 is now making its way to the governor,” said Rep. Ginter. “For those with chronic diseases, medication synchronization will simplify prescription refills.”

The bill is an attempt to enact a process known as “medical synchronization,” or “med sync,” in Ohio. “Med sync” helps both patients and caregivers by reducing the amount of visits that a patient needs to make to the pharmacy to get his or her needed medication, allowing them to permissively participate in a process with their physician and pharmacist to align their medications so that they can be refilled on the same day.

“House Bill 116 will save time, money, and ultimately improve health outcomes of patients,” said Rep. Brown. “Over 80 legislators have cosponsored the bill, which is a testament to its support in communities around the state of Ohio.”

Currently, some pharmacies and Medicare Part D allow the use of a “med sync” program. HB 116 would extend this process to commercial plans and Medicaid, keeping patients on track with their medication, boosting adherence to their physician-recommended treatment, and making the process more affordable for Ohioans.

HB 116 now awaits action by the Governor.