Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1074

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(See SF 383.)

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly alter existing practices governing pharmacy benefits and the relationship between PBMs, pharmacies, and health care providers in Iowa. With its implementation, beginning July 1, 2025, it will restrict PBMs from engaging in certain discriminatory practices against pharmacies and ensure that pharmacies cannot be reimbursed at rates lower than their acquisition costs. This legislative measure aims to promote fair competition and access to necessary medications for patients while also safeguarding the financial interests of pharmacies.

Summary

SSB1074 aims to regulate pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and improve the pricing and reimbursement processes related to prescription drugs. The bill introduces definitions for 'pass-through pricing' and 'spread pricing', intending to eliminate the unfair pricing strategies that PBMs might use, which can negatively impact both pharmacies and patients. By mandating that PBMs use transparent pricing models that reflect actual costs, the bill seeks to create a more equitable healthcare system whereby pharmacists receive fair compensation for their services.

Contention

Despite support from various stakeholders, the bill has faced contention regarding the potential impact on business operations for PBMs. Supporters argue that SSB1074 protects consumer choice by preventing PBMs from imposing penalties on patients who choose pharmacies based on personal preferences. Conversely, opponents warn that the bill could lead to higher prices for consumers if cost pressures force PBMs to adjust their business models, potentially impacting the available choices for patients and their access to medications.

Companion Bills

IA SF383

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, prescription drugs, and pharmacy services administrative organizations, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1074.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

IA HF852

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 99.)

IA HSB99

Related A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(See HF 852.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB640

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug pricing, and providing applicability provisions.(See HF 2401.)

IA HF2473

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug benefits, and including applicability provisions.

IA HF2401

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug pricing, and providing applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 640.)

IA SF333

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug benefits, and including applicability provisions.

IA SSB3079

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers.(See SF 2357.)

IA HSB536

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers.(See HF 2099.)

IA SF2357

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers.(Formerly SSB 3079.)

IA SSB1098

A bill for an act relating to contract pharmacies and covered entities that participate in the 340B drug program.(See SF 419.)

IA HF2099

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers. (Formerly HSB 536.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF554

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits manager reverse auctions and group insurance, and annual reporting by pharmacy benefits managers. (Formerly SF 284.)

Similar Bills

IA HF852

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 99.)

IA HSB99

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(See HF 852.)

IA SF383

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, prescription drugs, and pharmacy services administrative organizations, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1074.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

WV HB4112

Provide consumers a choice for pharmacy services

WI AB173

Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE)

WI SB203

Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE)

WI SB737

Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE)

WI AB773

Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE)