Two major bills that could change the practice of pharmacy were voted on this week:
The Senate voted on SB 360, a PBM reform bill that would bring transparency to PBMs, including:
- Ending spread pricing: PBMs would no longer be allowed to charge insurers or employers more than they pay pharmacies for the same prescription.
- Fair reimbursement: Pharmacies would be paid NADAC + $10.50 (or the state Medicaid rate, whichever is higher).
- Lower costs for patients and employers: Savings would go back to health plans, employers and patients instead of being kept by PBMs.
- State oversight: PBMs would be regulated by the Kansas Department of Insurance.
The House voted on HB 2676, allowing for emergency refills for non-controlled medications, and adding pharmacist prescribing in the four categories below:
- Conditions not requiring a new diagnosis, such as preventive care and chronic disease management
- Conditions that are minor and self-limiting such as hair loss, acne, head lice
- Conditions that have a CLIA-waived test to guide next steps, such as respiratory viruses
- Patient emergencies, such as epinephrine, beta agonists, glucagon
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.