State Watch

Welcome to State Watch

There is much happening in the states that affects LTC pharmacy. This page marks an effort to track the legislative issues states are considering that may impact your pharmacy. 

We’re just getting started and will continue adding new legislation regularly, so keep coming back to keep up.

Pharmacy Benefit Management

Nebraska LB 198: makes several PBM reforms, including prohibiting spread pricing and pharmacy payments. signed by Governor.

Maryland HB 321:  To exempt certain non-profit health insurers from state regulations. Passed House, in Senate Finance Committee

California SB 41: Requires licensure of PBMs, and other provisions. Passed Senate. In Assembly, Held at Desk

Wisconsin SB 203: Establishes minimum dispensing fees to pharmacies, prohibits requiring pharmacies to pay fees, and prohibits PBMs from requiring accreditation more stringent than state requirements. In Senate Health Committee.

Wisconsin AB 173: Companion to SB 203

North Carolina H 163: Prohibits spread pricing, requires access to provider networks, requires minimum payment standards to pharmacies, and other provisions. Passed House, in Senate Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate.

Montana HB 740: Concerns audits of pharmacies, MAC drug requirements, and other provisions. Signed by Governor.

Alabama SB 252:  The community Pharmacy Relief Act. Provides for minimum pharmacy reimbursement, regulates PBM rebates. Signed by Governor

Alabama SB 99: This bill would expand oversight by the Department of Insurance by setting benchmarks for the amounts that pharmacy benefits managers reimburse pharmacies, and by regulating how they process claims,
determine payment amounts, and use manufacturer rebates. In Senate Banking and Insurance Committee

Oklahoma SB 789:  Regulates audit practices of pharmacies by PBMs. Regulates contracting. Becomes Law without Governor’s Signature

Missouri HB 982:  modifies the maximum allowable cost of certain prescription drugs and make those provisions applicable to all pharmacies, not just contracted pharmacies. Passed House. In Senate

Arkansas SB 104: To protect patients’ rights and access to medicines. Signed by Governor

Arkansas SB 103: Create The Pharmacy Nondiscrimination Act; To Require Pharmacy Benefits Managers To Accept Any Pharmacy Or Pharmacist Willing To Accept Relevant And Reasonable Terms Of Participation. Signed by Governor

Arkansas HB 1620: To amend the law concerning pharmacy benefit managers and to regulate the processing and payment of pharmacy claims. Signed by Governor

North Dakota HB 1584: To create a licensing system for Pharmacy Benefit Management Companies. Signed by Governor

Indiana SB 140: Requires a PBM pharmacy network is reasonable adequate and accessible, and other provisions. Signed by Governor.

Oklahoma SB 993: Pharmacy benefit managers; establishing requirements and limits for certain audit reports and findings. Emergency. Signed by Governor

North Carolina SB 479: An Act supporting retail pharmacies and improving transparency. Passed Senate. In House Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House Committee.

Louisiana HB 264: Provides for transparency and compensation practices relative to pharmacy benefit managers. Passed House. In Senate.

Colorado HB 1094: Concerning PBM practices that affect prescription drug costs. Sent to Governor