Washington, DC – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) this week welcomed further action at the federal level in support of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform — reflecting the fact that this issue remains a top priority for members of Congress on a bipartisan basis.
On September 18, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup, including legislation that includes some aspects of PBM reform. The legislation – the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 (H.R. 7623) – would delink PBM compensation from drug prices in Medicare Part D as a mechanism to offset the costs of the telehealth provisions.
H.R. 7623 passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee in May.
Also, on September 17, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act (H.R.4758). Importantly, the bill includes a provision that would ban spread pricing in Medicaid — another vital aspect of PBM reform.
NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said: “The activities this week in the U.S. House of Representatives demonstrate yet another critical step toward Congress’ acting on its responsibilities to put people — and the pharmacies on which they rely — over PBM profits. NACDS continues to urge that the PBM reforms in Medicare, Medicaid and the commercial market must be considered ‘must-pass’ legislation in the 118th Congress. The Congress has forged bipartisan and bicameral consensus on a true and meaningful approach to PBM reform. Now is the time to stand strong on this issue that matters to Americans – and to remember that every day of delay is another day that PBMs are allowed to sustain their tactics.”
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