In Review: The new legislative session started on January 8. PCMA has identified over 20 bills that impact PBMs. The highest priority and concern is SB 1078, which creates delinking language. PCMA and member companies are working to remind legislators of the impact this has on the labor community and the verbatim bill was defeated last session. Here is a list of other bills introduced in prefile:
- House Bill 1582 – Collaborative agreements between pharmacists and health care providers.
- House Bill 1587 – Adds certain chemicals to Schedules I and IV of the Drug Control Act. House Bill 1641 – Mandate coverage of pediatric PANs and PANDAs in the state Medicaid program.
- House Bill 1670 – Copay cap of $60 for epi-pens.
- House Bill 1724 – PDAB creation, that allows for the setting of upper payment limits.
- House Bill 1905 – Allows for hospitals to compound drugs and distribute within the hospital system
- House Bill 1956 – Refuse to fill, lesser of logic.
- House Bill 2094 – Creates a definition of ‘algorithmic discrimination’ provides parameters to use, and creates penalties.
- House Bill 2106 – Allow pharmacists to override a denial code or request an override for drugs for the treatment of sickle cell.
- House Bill 2107 – Prohibit white bagging, steering, pharmacy networks, mail order.
- House Bill 2329 -Formulary transparency and generic biosimilar mandate.
- House Bill 2371 – Mandate contraceptive coverage for all health plans.
- House Bill 2375 – PSAO Transparency.
- House Bill 2378 – therapeutic drug dispensing in the event of outdated drugs.
- House Bill 2380 – PBM working group to examine the impact on Rutledge vs. PCMA.
- House Bill 2392– Allows hospitals to become a ‘covered entity’.
- House Bill 2525– Electronic prior authorization workgroup creation.
- Senate Bill 745 – Establish a working group to review pharmacists’ ability to initiate therapeutic interchange and make recommendations.
- Senate Bill 875 / Assembly Bill 2209 – Single PBM for Medicaid Program.
Up Next: The deadline to file bills is this Friday, January 17. Legislative activity could start as early as next week, January 20.
If you have any questions, please contact Sean Stephenson at sstephenson@pcmanet.org.
