In Review: On Tuesday, August 19, an amendment was introduced to the PBM bill, SB 203. Among other things, the bill removed the dispensing fee from the bill, but added other unfavorable language, including a provision that prohibits PBMs from requiring the use of a specialty pharmacy or mail-order pharmacy as a condition to participate in the network. On Wednesday, August 20, the bill was publicly noticed for a vote via paper ballot for Thursday, August 22. The amendment was adopted, and the bills as amended passed the committee by a vote of 5-0.

Up Next: PCMA is now pivoting to a containment strategy in the State Senate. The conventional wisdom is that the bill still has opposition within the caucus, which will stave off an immediate vote.

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