In Review: PBM legislation continues to advance without triggering engagement from PCMA. HB 144/SB 133—bills revising prior authorization and step therapy requirements, including for Stage 4 cancer patients—were heard in both chambers the week of April 14. These measures would require insurers to adopt standardized electronic prior authorization platforms and implement transparent step therapy exception protocols. PBM licensure bills SB 134/HB 149, which would move PBMs from a registration to a licensure model with increased regulatory oversight, held public hearings, but have no further hearings scheduled that would move the bills out of committee. Similarly, SB 122 (network adequacy) and HB 148/SB 132 (Medicaid claims and data coordination) have been reviewed without further action scheduled, and SB 142, which would apply 2024 pharmacy benefit reforms to the state plan, remains pending without action.

Up Next: House Bill 144 will be heard again in the House Labor & Commerce Committee on April 23 with public testimony. HB 148, which mandates PBM and insurer cooperation with Alaska’s Medicaid program, is also scheduled for public testimony during that hearing.

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