News & Advocacy

State Update: PBM Legislation

posted: February 6, 2018

OAR and over 20 other organizations have joined the Ohio Pharmacist Association in applauding new legislation aiming to end a secretive practice that is causing patients to pay more than they should at the pharmacy counter.

Introduced by Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) and Representative Thomas West (D-Canton), House Bill 479 would prohibit PBMs from requiring patients to pay a cost sharing amount that is greater than the pharmacy’s cash price for a particular prescription drug. The bill would also prohibit PBMs from including “gag clauses” in their contract with network pharmacies. These gag clauses penalize pharmacists from disclosing important cost information to customers, ensuring that pharmacists cannot inform customers if there is a cheaper way to get their medication.

Staff from OPA and the National MS Society joined Representatives Lipps and West in introducing the bill. “The clawback is just the latest example of PBM shell game tactics that deceive patients, inflate the cost of prescription drugs, and line the pockets of administrative middlemen” said Antonia Ciaccia, OPA Director of Government & Public Affairs.

House Bill 479 was referred to the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee earlier this month. OAR will continue to monitor and actively support the bill as it makes its way through the legislature.

Full OPA Press Release