Arkansas Legislation would Force Pharmacy Closures and Jeopardize Arkansas Patients’ Access to Life-Saving Medications

(Little Rock, AR) — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA), representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), released the following statement on the Arkansas House’s vote to advance HB 1150.

“We are disappointed the Arkansas House passed HB 1150 and urge the Arkansas Senate to stop this bill. To be clear, PBMs support lower drug prices and work every day to reduce drug costs for Arkansas patients and employers.

“The immediate, known impact of the bill includes the closure of over 35 retail pharmacies, suspension of home delivery prescription drug programs, and restricted access to specialty pharmacies.

“Specialty pharmacies are a vital part of treatment for Arkansas patients with complex medical conditions. Patients taking specialty drugs require active clinical management and expertise to properly take these drugs. Without specialty pharmacy management programs, support systems, and monitoring tools in place patents’ health is at risk.

“Further, this bill attempts to ban consumers and employers from using convenient mail order pharmacies, severely diminishing options for home delivery in Arkansas, including patients living in rural areas who depend on being able to receive their medications by mail. The result would be increased health care costs for Arkansas employers.

“HB 1150 puts patients health at risk and will increase drug costs for Arkansas employers. The Arkansas Senate would be wise to reject this poorly vetted proposal.”

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PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit companies. Pharmacy benefit companies are working every day to secure savings, enable better health outcomes, and support access to quality prescription drug coverage for more than 275 million patients.