Benham, Burns applaud PBM reform becoming law
Legislators hail new law with Cambria County pharmacists
Rep. Frank Burns July 19, 2024 | 11:22 AM
NANTY GLO, July 19 – Joining local pharmacists at Mainline Pharmacy for a news conference, state Reps. Jessica Benham and Frank Burns today celebrated H.B. 1993 being signed into law.
“This law is going to help more community pharmacies stay open and lower prescription drug costs for Pennsylvanians. Corporate pharmacies have used pharmacy benefit managers to develop an overwhelmingly tight grip on the current drug market. As a result, independently owned pharmacies are closing at a record pace and patients are spending more on prescriptions,” said Benham, D-Allegheny.
“I want to thank all my state government colleagues and advocates across the Commonwealth who fought for years to get this bill to the governor’s desk. It’s a big step toward leveling the playing field for local pharmacies in PA and helping working families afford the medicine they need.”
Benham said Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill into law Wednesday after it passed through the General Assembly with broad, bipartisan support.
“Pennsylvanians are being hurt by the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “Rural pharmacies here in Cambria County have been forced to close their doors while pharmacy benefit managers rake in billions. Our PBM reform will help stop future closures and lower costs for patients.”
“I’m glad that this bill has become law - it’s a little late for Mainline Pharmacy, but will help others,” said Steve Pope, director of sales and marketing for Mainline Pharmacy. “PBMs need regulation and oversight - they’re why we closed 10 stores, hurting our workforce and the communities we serve.”
The new law limits or bans specific PBM practices, including patient steering, retroactive recoupment of money paid by the PBM to the pharmacy, and forcing prescriptions to be ordered by mail.