In Review: The week of March 3 was the Legislature’s self-imposed first “funnel” deadline which removes most legislation from further consideration if the measure has not received committee approval. The kitchen sink anti-PBM bills HF 852/SF 383, already met this deadline. During that week, another PBM bill SSB 1207, was introduced by Senator Mike Bousselot (R). This bill included language that required a $3.00 dispensing fee for pharmacies with five or fewer locations, a prohibition on spread pricing, and point-of-sale rebates. The bill was heard in the Senate Commerce Subcommittee but due to very strong opposition by the pharmacists as well as the sponsor of SF 383, it failed to meet the “funnel” deadline. During the first “funnel” deadline week, PCMA and its members finalized the suggested language on HF 852/SF 383 and were ready to meet with House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl (R). However, because of how busy it was during “funnel” week, the meeting was moved to last week Monday, and Speaker of House Pat Grassley (R) also attended. There was a good discussion about the bill, the concerns from both the PBMs and the payors, as well as the suggested language. SF 319, which is based on model language from the Cicero Institute and called the “Patient’s Right to Save Act” which requires providers to provide the cash price to patients, passed the Senate.

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