Pennsylvania Passes Bill to Regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Pennsylvania community pharmacists are praising the passage of House Bill 1993, aimed at reforming pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to safeguard access to local pharmacies for families. The bill, awaiting Gov. Josh Shapiro's approval, addresses issues where PBMs retain savings instead of passing them on, leading to over 140 pharmacy closures in the state. It includes patient protection measures, government oversight, and expanded services like immunizations and RSV testing at pharmacies. The legislation targets PBM practices like patient steering and spread pricing, with bipartisan support and a focus on enhancing transparency and regulation of PBMs. Key sponsors include Representatives Jessica Benham and Valerie Gaydos, with strong advocacy from the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.