The Illinois House Health Care Availability and Accessibility (HCAA) Committee met Tuesday to discuss a recent report published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that examined the ways pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) may be impacting drug affordability and accessibility. The HCAA meeting occurred on the same day as a federal congressional hearing where the House … Read more
A new audit on Oregon pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) recommends that the state enact legislation that focuses on patient and pharmacy protections, and increases transparency in the prescription drug supply chain. The state released the audit on Monday, which examines PBM business practices in the state. PBMs were established in the 1960s to … Read more
Many states have passed bills aiming to reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) business practices over the past year, and Alaska Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel hopes her state will do the same. PBMs act as middle men, performing the administrative transaction of processing prescription claims between insurers and pharmacies, and pharmacists across the … Read more
The Oregon Legislature passed a bill this year that aims to help pharmacists overcome challenges they face in dealing with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), although the organization that represents them believes more can be done. PBMs act as middle men, performing the administrative transaction of processing prescription claims between insurers and pharmacies. Pharmacists … Read more
Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) business practices are hindering pharmacists’ abilities to provide needed medications for Floridians, according to Dr. Kevin Duane, owner of Panama Pharmacy in Jacksonville. Duane is one of many pharmacy owners who have testified in support of Senate Bill 1550, which aims to save Floridians money on prescription drugs by regulating PBMs. … Read more
A bill that aims to save Floridians money on prescription drugs by regulating pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) business practices was approved by a Senate committee on Monday. The Senate Committee on Health Policy unanimously passed Senate Bill 1550, which would mandate several requirements from PBMs. The bill falls in line with Gov. Ron … Read more
In this month’s edition, you’ll find information and insight about upcoming Medicaid redeterminations, coverage of various healthcare-related legislation being considered in Denver, and an update on the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Health leaders continue preparation for Medicaid redeterminations The federal Public Health … Read more
Our first Oregon newsletter of 2023 includes an effort underway to regulate PBMs in the state, healthcare highlights from Gov. Kotek’s first state budget proposal, recent discussions about whether to pursue universal health coverage expansion in the legislature, and more. Thank you for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Lawmakers focus on PBM … Read more
The role pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in Washington’s pharmaceutical industry was hotly debated while senators heard testimony for bills during a Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee meeting on Friday. Sen. Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue) sponsored Senate Bill 5213, which would impose certain requirements on PBM business practices. PBMs were created in … Read more
Pharmaceutical industry professionals discussed the challenges Washington pharmacies face—including financial concerns that stem from having to work with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—during a House Health Care & Wellness Committee meeting on Thursday. Ryan Oftebro, CEO at Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group and President of the Washington State Pharmacy Association, said Kelley-Ross operates five pharmacy locations … Read more