In Review: The bill-filing deadline was this week in Tennessee, and while the Forced Pharmacy Closure (FPC) companion bills had already been introduced, it did not stop lawmakers from being creative. Several caption bills were introduced related to PBMs, and
In Review: Last week, companion bills were introduced, SB 2040 by Senator Diana Harsbarger (R) and HB 1959 by Representative Rick Scarbrough (R), both with personal ties to independent pharmacies. PCMA is working closely with member company teams, PCMA Policy, and
Up Next: On July 16, PCMA and member company representatives will be meeting with the Executive Director of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. During the meeting we plan to discuss any complaints he is hearing from his membership, potential areas we
In Review: Last week, the Tennessee General Assembly adjourned the first half of its two-year legislative session. Of all tracked legislation, only SB 881 and SB 1382 passed, which dealt with prompt pay standards and a step therapy compromise, respectively.
In Review: Last week PCMA testified on SB 420 (AFP/maximizer) before the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. Shortly before the meeting and after the deadline to file an amendment, PhRma agreed to language that would protect copay maximizers. Since the
Up Next: PCMA will be in Nashville to testify on HB 870/SB 420, which would prohibit the use of copay maximizer programs. If you have any questions, please contact Connor Rose at crose@pcmanet.org.
In Review: Last week, PreferredRx, a ‘transparent’ PBM, presented before the House Insurance Committee. While no discussion of specific legislation came up during the conversation, representatives from the company derided the traditional PBM model, showing how their approach can lead to significant
In Review: Last Thursday, the Tennessee legislature adjourned its 2024 legislative session. While HB 916 (white bagging) passed the House earlier this year by a vote of 80-11, its Senate companion SB 502, ultimately failed to pass. Additionally, SB 2008
In Review: Last week, SB 502 (white bagging) was deferred on the Senate floor to Monday, April 15, the second deferral over the last two weeks. During the last two weeks, PCMA’s coalition, the Tennessee Employer Benefits Alliance, has been
In Review: With the last few weeks of the session ahead, the fate of several bills PCMA was tracking has been determined. First, SB 2008 (AFPs, maximizers) is dead for this session, though it will be back next year. Additionally,
