In Review: The Iowa Division of Insurance circulated a response to PCMA’s suggested amendments relative to SSB 3079, which is the Iowa Division of Insurance’s “clarifying” PBM bill. PCMA circulated to the member companies and will be providing feedback to both IID and Senator Mike Klimesh (R). The biggest issue is the fees, which IID suggested be capped at $100. HSB 640 (MAC, Steering, Anti-PBM) was introduced last Wednesday, and a Subcommittee Meeting was held in Commerce last Thursday. PCMA, member companies, ABI, and the Federation of Iowa Insurers all testified in opposition to the bill. Nevertheless, the bill was moved along in the process. HF 626 (Continuity of Care/Nonmedical Switching) was heard in the Senate Commerce Subcommittee last Monday. SF 554 (Reverse Auction) was heard last Tuesday in a Commerce Subcommittee Meeting, and the bill was recommended for indefinite postponement.

Up Next: The first funnel deadline is less than two weeks away – February 16. This deadline causes bills to move very quickly in the process; subcommittees are often held within 24 hours of a bill being released. The standard for the first funnel is that for a bill to remain “alive,” it must pass out of a subcommittee and a full committee in either chamber, with the exception of Ways & Means (taxes or fees) and Appropriations (spending) bills.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Mack at mmack@pcmanet.org.