NACDS applauds the enactment of ESSB 5213, a new law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on March 25 that will hold PBMs accountable. Although the law exempts the Employment Retirement and Security Act (ERISA) plans, it enhances the Insurance Commissioner’s enforcement authority, establishes an appeals process, opens the network, includes anti-steering and mail order provisions, prohibits spread pricing and expands Maximum Allowable Cost appeals to all prescriptions, not just generic drugs. The bill sponsor, Sen. Patty Kurderer (D), who is running for the office of Insurance Commissioner in November, plans to enforce this new law and actively seek further PBM reforms, if elected.
Also in Washington, the Heath Care Authority asked NACDS to alert pharmacies that recently they have seen delays from its switch vendors and/or software vendors in applying changes for testing. Sarah Stewart said these changes to the BIN number and other information on the payer sheet for its POS (point of sale) replacement system are going live on April 27, 2024.
For more information, contact NACDS’ Mary Staples at 817-442-1155.