In Review: This week, each legislative house published its budget amendments. Since there are differences between the two houses, the budget will now go to a conference committee. Of concern is House Amendment Item 295 #1h, which prohibits PBMs that have pharmacies licensed in Virginia from participating in the state’s Medicaid program. PCMA and member companies will be sharing concerns with this provision with the budget conferees and will be discussing a strategy to defeat or mitigate the provision. Also, SB 642, relating to white bagging, was referred to the Finance and Appropriations Committee, where it will likely die. PCMA and member companies will discuss the possibility of offering alternatives to the patron sponsor to help save his bill by offering changes that mitigate the bill to the point of neutrality for PCMA.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Stephenson at sstephenson@pcmanet.org.