Louisiana Weekly Update 4.3.26

In Review: The House Committee on Insurance advanced HB 938, which includes a dispensing fee mandate and delinking. The Senate Committee on Insurance advanced SB 387 after amending the bill to include delinking, fiduciary duties, and significant formulary management restrictions.  The proposed fiduciary duty would apply to all plans, enrollees, and providers. PCMA was present to testify before both committees alongside labor unions and insurance brokers.

Up Next: PCMA will schedule meetings with legislative and executive branch leadership to discuss the need for significant modifications to these measures. It is unlikely that either measure will be considered on the floor of their respective chambers next week.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.

Louisiana Weekly Update 3.27.26

In Review: The House Committee on Health has removed forced pharmacy closure provisions from HB 919. The bill now contains a dispensing fee for independent pharmacists, corporate criminal liability, and fiduciary duty. The House has deferred floor action on the measure until Monday, March 30.

Up Next: The House and Senate Insurance Committees will hear delinking and other PBM measures on Wednesday, April 1. This will likely include SB 387 and HB 938. PCMA will be present to testify in opposition and continues to work with bill sponsors on alternative language.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.

Louisiana Weekly Update 3.20.26

In Review: The House Committee on Health removed the forced pharmacy closure provisions from HB 919 following advocacy by PCMA, member companies, and the Save Our Benefits Coalition.  HB 919 is now limited to fiduciary duty, dispensing fees for independent pharmacists, and corporate criminal liability.

Up Next: The House and Senate Committees on Insurance are likely to hear delinking bills from both chambers on April 1. This could include HB 938 and SB 387.  PCMA is working with bill sponsors to develop alternatives to these measures.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.

Louisiana Weekly Update 3.6.26

In Review: Louisiana will start off its 2026 legislative session with a bevy of highly disruptive legislative proposals, many of which will have been sponsored by effective members of the majority party.  These measures include but are not limited to delinking, forced pharmacy closure, dispensing fees, expanded NADAC reimbursement, heavy civil penalties, and fiduciary duty mandates.  Additionally, legislation has been filed which could have the effect of prohibiting the use of rebates in formulary placement, requiring duties to providers that outweigh duties to plan sponsors, and imposing corporate criminal liability on PBM employees.

Up Next: The legislative session begins on Monday, March 9^th.  PCMA will be on the ground in Baton Rouge to meet with stakeholders on pending legislation.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.

Louisiana Weekly Update 2.20.26

In Review: The Louisiana Department of Insurance has issued Directive 257, which imposes a $9 dispensing fee. Save Our Benefits Louisiana is working with employers, unions, and other stakeholders to organize opposition to the Directive. The Louisiana PBM Advisory Council met on Thursday, where testimony was received from the Department of Insurance on the Directive.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.

Louisiana Weekly Update 1.23.26

In Review: The PBM Advisory Council held a hearing on Thursday, January 22. Member companies offered testimony to the committee on PBM business practices. The Department of Insurance testified as to statutory limitations on the implementation of a professional dispensing fee floor.

Up Next: Advisory Committee members expressed interest in introducing dispensing fee, delinking, and GPO transparency legislation. PCMA will continue to work with interested parties in anticipation of the start of session in March.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Christofanelli at pchristofanelli@pcmanet.org.