Texas Pharmacy Association board member Rannon Ching and CEO Debbie
Garza testified March 21 before the Texas House Committee on Insurance
in support of House Bill 2021
by Chairman Tom Oliverson. This important pharmacy benefit manager
(PBM) reform legislation would apply existing laws intended to protect
patients and pharmacies to all PBMs operating in Texas. Several TPA
members wearing white coats were in the audience to show support for
this priority bill.
The Legislature
adopted HB 1763 and HB 1919 last session to ensure patient choice,
prohibit unfair business practices, and eliminate PBM self-dealing.
Pharmacy supports legislation to extend those reforms more broadly to
PBM activity in the state in light of the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court
ruling.
"Broadening the application of these
provisions will not result in increased costs to patients or plan
sponsors," Garza said. "It would ensure competition and increase
transparency in the prescription drug marketplace.” Click here to view video of the hearing; discussion of HB 2021 begins at 29:22, and TPA testimony begins at 1:10:00.
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