In Review: SB 142 (omnibus) aims to expand the scope of last year’s HB 226 by applying its provisions to AlaskaCare and municipal plans while explicitly excluding ERISA plans. Despite omitting some high-cost mandates like NADAC pricing and dispensing fees, it retains concerning provisions—spread pricing bans, any-willing-pharmacy access, audits, and transparency—previously limited to fully insured commercial plans. The bill is seen as broadening what was intentionally narrowed due to cost concerns. PCMA will draft a comment letter emphasizing fiscal impact and policy overreach, modeled after last year’s submission.

Up Next: Several PBM-related bills are moving in Alaska, with hearings scheduled for the week of March 31. SB 134 and HB 149 (audits and licensure) are scheduled for hearings in the Senate and House committees, respectively. SB 133 (step therapy and prior authorization) for patients with chronic conditions or metastatic cancer will be heard on April 2 in the Labor & Commerce Committee—SB 132 (networks and claim denials) is also on the schedule for April 2 in the House Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 144 (prior authorization) is set for an April 3 hearing in the House Committee on Health & Social Services.

If you have any questions, please contact Tonia Sorrell-Neal at tsorrell-neal@pcmanet.org.