Legislation to Increase Access to Affordable Prescription Medication Advances

SB25-289 would create a program to safely donate and dispense certain unused medicine

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services committee today unanimously passed legislation to increase access to low-cost prescription medication through the creation of a drug donation program. 

SB25-289, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would allow for individuals and institutions to safely donate unused medication to licensed, eligible, and/or certified redistribution centers. Redistribution centers could include pharmacies, clinics, health-care providers, and hospitals. 

“Every year, the United States spends billions to dispose of unused prescription medicines from nursing homes, assisted living residences, hospices, and jails,” said Cutter. “Additionally, many left-over prescriptions are flushed down the toilet or thrown into the trash, which causes immeasurable harm to our environment and water supply. With SB25-289, we can create a program to reduce waste, protect the environment, and help Coloradans access the medication they need.”

In 2021, 9.7 percent of Colorado residents reported being unable to fill their prescription due to cost. Of those, 40 percent said their health condition worsened as a result. Under the bill, patients in need would have access to free and low-cost donated medicine. The program would exclude opioids, scheduled medications, and medicines that require special storage conditions unless storage conditions can be verified. 

The creation of this program, including best practices from other states and safety provisions, has been extensively researched by a task force created by SB22-098.

SB25-289 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.