Louisiana Senate Rejects Bill to Separate Pharmacy Benefits Managers from Pharmacies Amid Controversy
In a surprising turn of events just an hour before the end of the legislative session, the Louisiana Senate voted down House Bill 358, which proposed restricting companies from owning both pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and pharmacies. This decision defied the calls of Governor Jeff Landry, who indicated plans for a special session to address the issue of rising prescription drug costs.
Senate President Cameron Henry articulated concerns about the rushed nature of the bill, which only emerged with the contentious language the previous afternoon. “There’s a legislative process for a reason,” he stated, emphasizing the lack of public testimony. The proposed measures wouldn’t have taken effect until 2027, suggesting lawmakers could revisit the issue next year.
Instead of passing HB 358, which supporters claimed would protect independent pharmacies from corporate competition, the Senate opted for a resolution requesting a study on the potential impacts of PBM ownership. Additionally, the Legislature approved a separate bill requiring PBMs to pass savings onto consumers and prohibiting them from mandating use of specific drug stores.
The pushback against HB 358 included fierce lobbying efforts, particularly from CVS, which warned of store closures and patient access issues if the bill passed. The situation intensified with CVS sending mass text messages to customers urging them to oppose the bill, a move that drew the ire of state officials, including the Attorney General, who initiated an investigation into the appropriateness of using patient information for lobbying.
While the rejection of HB 358 signals a setback for Governor Landry and anti-PBM advocates, the passage of the regulatory bill reflects a commitment to enhance oversight and protect consumers. As debates continue, the future of pharmacy benefits management in Louisiana remains uncertain.
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