In Review: Last week, HB 163 was heard and passed out of the House Health Committee. PCMA was present to testify but was passed over by the Committee chair. While PCMA and NCAHP did not testify, the Chairman did allow comment from the NC Chamber, who noted that any legislation that raises costs for their employer members could not be supported. Additionally, several planted questions were asked of the bill sponsor by Committee members, specifically around the exclusion of the state employee health plan and local governments. The bill now moves to the House Regulatory Reform Committee, which will not meet this week. PCMA and members also sat down with Senate Health Chairman Benton Sawrey (R) and Madison Alligood to walk through SB 479 (decline to fill, affiliate parity, point-of-sale rebates, fiduciary). After walking through the industry’s concerns with the bill, Sen. Sawrey requested that we provide alternative language where we can, noting that an amendment will be filed before next week’s Senate health meeting on Thursday, April 10.

Up Next: PCMA will be in Raleigh this week to follow up with Senator Sawrey and Madison and be present to testify in the Senate Health Committee, if necessary. PCMA will also be meeting with members of the House Regulatory Reform Committee to discuss HB 163.

If you have any questions, please contact Connor Rose at crose@pcmanet.org.