In Review: Last week, hearings were held, and PCMA submitted written testimony opposing HB 1216 (copay accumulator) in the House Industry, Business, and Labor (IBL) Committee, and HB 1452 (Anti-Obesity Coverage Mandate) in the House Human Services Committee. In addition, PCMA submitted written testimony to the Senate Human Services Committing opposing both SB 2249 (Step Therapy Protocol Exceptions) which received a DO NOT PASS recommendation from the Committee, and SB 2248 (Step Therapy Prohibition on Associated Conditions to Metastatic Cancer) that based on discussions by the Committee, may likely turn into a mandate study rather than dealing with step therapy. Given all bills get voted on by the full body, just because a Committee provides a “Do Not Pass” recommendation, does not mean the bill is no longer active.

Up Next: A hearing on SB 2280  (prior authorization), which is very similar to the bill from the 2023 legislative session that was studied during the interim, will have a hearing in the Senate Industry and Business Committee on February 5. It is our understanding the North Dakota Pharmacists Association bill, HB 1584 (Removal of ERISA Exemption), will have a hearing next Monday, February 10. PCMA and member companies are continuing to get the Greater North Dakota Chamber, associations, and clients educated and energized to oppose this bill. PCMA provided the Greater North Dakota Chamber with talking points on the issue.

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