In Review: Last Tuesday, we heard about a possible amendment to the kitchen sink anti-PBM bill, SF 383, which would include language similar to the recently enacted Arkansas law, which bans PBMs from owning pharmacies or some type of vertical integration language. Our local lobbyists and coalition members were all over the matter and had numerous meetings with leadership and others in both the Senate and the House. They also stressed how important it was that we not only be able to see an amendment but also have time to review. The member companies met and discussed the issue numerous times during the week. On Friday evening, amendment language was shared, and upon review, it DID NOT include language similar to Arkansas/vertical integration, nor did it include delinking. The bill language now, among other issues, has a definition of chain pharmacy that excludes them from receiving the enhanced dispensing fee. However, it carves in Hy-Vee, which is the local grocery store pharmacy that has approximately 136 stores in the state. The coalition met over the weekend to prepare for the upcoming week. There was no movement on the companion bill, HF 852. The House concurred with the language the Senate passed on HF 303, which deals with prior authorization but does not include pharmacy.

Up Next: The House does not meet on Monday. However, SF 383 is posted on the Monday Senate Debate Calendar and Senate goes into session at 1:00 P.M. C.T. PCMA and member company representatives will be on the ground on Monday.

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