Louisiana Gov. Landry Plans Special Session on PBM Drug Pricing

The 2025 Louisiana legislative session ended with Governor Jeff Landry calling for a special session to address rising prescription drug costs, specifically targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who critics say inflate prices and create unfair market conditions by owning both PBMs and pharmacies, as seen with CVS. A more aggressive bill, House Bill 358, which would have forced separation between PBMs and pharmacies, died in the Senate despite strong support from Landry and President Trump Jr., leading to concerns that large chains like CVS could close stores if the bill passed. Instead, lawmakers passed a less stringent compromise bill, House Bill 264, requiring PBMs to increase transparency and pass savings to consumers, while the Senate also approved a resolution for further study on the issue before the 2026 session. Independent pharmacies argue that the current PBM market structure favors large corporate chains and limits competition, while PBMs maintain they help manage drug costs. Political analysts are skeptical a special session will occur soon, citing lawmakers' reluctance and the bill's delayed effective date in 2027. Landry remains determined to push for tougher regulations to curb PBM influence and lower drug prices for Louisiana consumers.