AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1354

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1354

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
2/3/25  

Caption

To Regulate Pharmacy Benefits Managers; To Amend The Law Concerning The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program; And To Amend The Law Concerning Certain Health Benefit Plans.

Impact

If enacted, HB1354 would significantly impact the laws governing healthcare insurance programs, particularly regarding the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. This means that public employees and school staff in Arkansas would see changes in how their health benefits are administered, with an emphasis on ensuring that the practices of pharmacy benefits managers align with state laws and public interests. The bill aims to protect consumers from potential malpractices in drug pricing and availability facilitated by PBMs.

Summary

House Bill 1354 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in the State of Arkansas. The bill is intended to amend existing laws to establish oversight and control over the operations of PBMs, which play a critical role in the management of prescription drug benefits. By increasing regulation, the bill seeks to ensure that patients receive fair access to medicines and that healthcare costs are managed effectively. The proposed legislation reflects a growing trend among states to enhance regulation of PBMs to promote transparency and accountability within the pharmaceutical industry.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HB1354 revolve around the efficacy of increased regulations on PBMs. Supporters argue that stricter oversight is necessary to curb rising prescription drug costs and to ensure that benefits are managed in a way that prioritizes patient care. Conversely, some stakeholders, including certain industry representatives, may contend that imposing additional regulations could lead to increased administrative burdens and costs, which could ultimately impact healthcare providers and consumers. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between regulatory measures and the healthcare industry’s operational flexibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1242

To Allow Certain Retired Public School Employees To Obtain Pharmacy Benefits If Enrolled In The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program.

AR HB1160

To Regulate Compensation And Benefits Of Public Officers And Employees; And To Clarify Supervision Of Voluntary Products Under The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program.

AR HB1481

To Create The Healthcare Insurer Share The Savings Act; And To Create The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Share The Savings Act.

AR HB1247

To Amend The Law Concerning Benefits Paid To Survivors And Beneficiaries After The Death Of Members And Retirants Of The State Police Retirement System.

AR SB150

To Amend The Law Concerning Retirement Benefits; And To Prohibit Collection Of Benefits By Members, Retirants, Or Beneficiaries Of Retirement Systems Who Are Convicted Of Certain Offenses.

AR SB161

To Amend The Law Concerning Benefits Under The State Police Retirement System.

AR SB94

To Modify The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act.

AR HB1500

To Modify The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act.

AR SB97

To Amend The Arkansas Prepaid Funeral Benefits Law; To Regulate Prepaid Benefits Contracts; And To Enhance The Administration Of The Arkansas Prepaid Funeral Benefits Law.

AR SB159

To Amend The Law Concerning Benefits Under Local Police And Fire Pension And Relief Funds.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.