In Review: House Bill 2225 (POS, NADAC, Dispensing Fees, Spread Pricing, Networks, anti-gag) was introduced on January 28. The bill defines discrimination against a pharmacy, establishes cost-sharing and deductible requirements, sets drug reimbursement rates and dispensing fees for pharmacies, and
In Review: The Hawaii State Legislature’s 2025 regular session will adjourn on May 2, marking the close of its 60-day session. SCR 69, the resolution intended initially to study PBMs, died as the final crossover deadline on Saturday, April 26, following
In Review: On April 11, SCR 69—a resolution to study PBMs that originated from HB 1509—was amended in the House Committee on Health to significantly revise the intent and structure that was changed in the Senate Committee on Health and
In Review: SCR 69 (PBM study) is a resolution calling for a PBM study that was heard and passed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on March 24 with a $100,000 fiscal amendment. The funding allows the designated
In Review: SB 1509 HD 1 (PBM Study) was deferred in committee. The Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) submitted a comment letter stating they lacked the necessary expertise and would require additional time to complete the study. During the hearing, the
In Review: The triple referral deadline has passed. HB 250 and SB 1509 have both been converted into studies, with HB 250 leaving room for interpretation on pharmaceuticals. Six resolutions impacting PBMs have been introduced, including SCR 69 and HCR
In Review: Following the bill cutoff deadlines in Hawaii, HB 1509 (point-of-sale rebates) has gained surprising momentum and is limited to commercially insured and private ERISA plans by exempting all public employee plans. Meanwhile, SB 250 (prior authorization) has also seen movement despite hurdles and significant opposition
In Review: HB 250 HD2 (prior authorization) advanced out of committee with amendments, expanding the definition of “health care service” to include pharmaceutical products, services, and durable medical equipment. SB 1449 (prior authorization) broadens data requirements to include brand and generic drugs and is scheduled for
In Review: PCMA delivered a PBM 101 presentation to the Hawaii Insurance Council, providing an overview of how PBMs function and their role in managing prescription drug costs. In conjunction with the presentation, we had meetings with Senator Henry Aquino
In Review: The Hawaii legislative session adjourned on Wednesday, May 8. It was a good year in that no legislation was introduced targeting PBMs, ensuring that PBMs can continue providing essential pharmacy benefit management services. This positive precedent for future
