Managed care, behavioral health top legislative agenda

WASHINGTON, DC—Pro vider regulation, managed care, and behavioral health top the list of topics expected to be considered by the states and the District of Columbia in their upcoming legislative sessions.

An informal survey of legislative and executive staff members by the National Conference of State Legislatures shows that virtually every legislature will take up one of these three issues. Other hot issues are long-term care and children’s insurance.

Pharmaceuticals are likely to be on the agenda in 41 states and the District of Columbia, with a focus on drug formularies in 25 states.

A state-by-state summary of the results is available from the National Conference of State Legislatures at (202) 624-3567.