In Review: Last week marked the first deadline period in Mississippi, with 27 PBM bills not receiving committee action before the committee deadline. Ten bills are still in play, with PCMA focusing on two sets of “companion” measures. HB 1123 by Speaker Jason White (D) and SB 2677 by Senator Rita Parks (R) are similar bills that seek broad transparency requirements on PBMs, differing language around a ban on spread pricing, and new audit/appeals rights for pharmacies. However, SB 2677 contains a whole host of PBM issues related to rebates, GPOs, affiliates, networks, new reimbursement language, and other provisions. PCMA is working with our coalition partners to keep SB 2677 from being voted on in the Senate. Additionally, companion measures related to white bagging have passed out of their respective committees in the House and Senate. We are working closely with the Mississippi Health Plan Association to have an amendment adopted to the bills that would require hospitals to agree to rates and reimbursements.

Up Next: Friday, February 14, is the next key deadline in Mississippi, and PCMA is working to either amend or run the clock on the bills discussed above.

If you have any questions, please contact Michael Power at mpower@pcmanet.org.