With a favorable final vote in the Assembly of 133-0, the Patient Access to Pharmacy Act (S5939C/A5882C) passed both chambers of the Legislature this session and will be sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for enactment. The legislation will establish a reimbursement “floor” across all pharmacy network contracts in state-regulated commercial health plans based on the Medicaid fee-for-service rate, which is currently set at NADAC + $10.18. Additionally, the bill creates a payment appeals process for pharmacies dispensing higher cost medications that require special handling, increased delivery costs and other special services to ensure pharmacies receive an adequate dispensing fee to cover their costs in the specialty market. Advancing this legislation in partnership with the Community Pharmacy Association of New York has been a critical component of NACDS’ advocacy on pharmacy reimbursement this session.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.