(Frankfort, KY) — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement on the passage of House Bill 220 in Kentucky.

“PCMA applauds the legislature in Kentucky and Governor Beshear on the passage of HB 220, which expands on a previous version of the bill. The legislation will improve patient access to affordable prescription drugs by allowing health plans the flexibility to encourage patients to use generic and biosimilar products. 

“HB 220 in Kentucky promotes lower cost alternatives and is an advancement toward unlocking the potential of biosimilars in the state. A robust biosimilar market will allow PBMs to leverage competition more effectively to further reduce drug costs, saving even more money for Kentuckians.

“As more biosimilars come to market, competition increases and employers and other health plan sponsors have added choice and flexibility when designing prescription drug benefits. Pharmacy benefit companies are strong proponents of a highly functioning biosimilar market and have advocated for policy changes that will increase generic and biosimilar uptake and put an end to brand manufacturers’ tactics to extend exclusivity on brand-name biologics.”

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