In Review: Over the weekend, Governor J.B. Pritzker’s (D) office released the “Prescription Drug Affordability Act 2.0.” The website has not been updated, but the new language will likely be added as an amendment to SB 709. Late Sunday night, the Governor’s office produced a “Walkthrough” document that goes through the provisions of the bill. There have been noteworthy changes, including the creation of an $8 per-covered individual enrolled by the PBM in the state per year cost, calculated based on the previous year’s enrollment. Also, the bill increases the appropriation in the critical access pharmacy fund from $10 million to $45 million. Finally, the current bill no longer includes a provision that created higher dispensing fee rates (Medicaid $15.55) for critical access pharmacies.

Next Up: The Governor’s office has asked for PCMA’s feedback on the new language. PCMA has scheduled a Teams Meeting for 4:30 PM ET on Monday to discuss the amendment to the bill. The conventional wisdom is that the bill will be introduced and scheduled for committee hearings the week of May 5.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Stephenson at sstephenson@pcmanet.org.