Florida 2023 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H0203

Introduced
1/13/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Refer
1/25/23  

Caption

Access to Pharmacies and Prescription Drugs Under Insurance and Pharmacy Benefit Managers Policies

Impact

The implications of House Bill 203 are significant for both patients and pharmacies. By allowing patients more freedom in choosing where to fill their prescriptions and ensuring fair treatment among pharmacies, the legislation intends to reduce disparities in access to medications. This could lead to a more competitive environment in pharmacy services, potentially driving down costs for consumers. However, the bill also introduces regulatory oversight of PBMs, enabling the Office of Insurance Regulation to impose penalties and suspensions against PBMs that violate these provisions. Such measures reflect an increasing focus on consumer rights and equitable healthcare practices within the state.

Summary

House Bill 203 aims to enhance patient access to pharmacies and prescription drugs by regulating the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) within Florida. The bill establishes new standards that require PBMs to create accessible pharmacy networks, ensuring patients can obtain medications from pharmacies of their choice without facing undue restrictions. Specifically, it prohibits PBMs from denying pharmacies the right to participate in networks based on their affiliations and mandates that they provide standard contracts to all participating pharmacies. Additionally, the bill emphasizes fair reimbursement practices for pharmacies, preventing PBMs from reimbursing them less than the amounts paid to their affiliates for the same drugs, thus fostering a more equitable marketplace for pharmacy services.

Contention

Despite the intent of House Bill 203 to bolster patient rights, there are areas of contention related to its implementation. Advocates suggest that empowering pharmacies and enhancing access to medications will resolve many consumer issues in healthcare, while critics express concerns about how these regulations could impact the financial sustainability of PBMs. Some argue that the enforcement of strict regulations may lead to increased administrative burdens on PBMs, which might indirectly result in higher insurance costs. The balance between ensuring patient access and maintaining a competitive insurance market remains a crucial discussion point among legislative stakeholders.

Companion Bills

FL S0420

Similar To Pharmacy Benefit Managers

FL S1638

Similar To Coverage for Clinician-administered Drugs

Previously Filed As

FL H0941

Pharmacist Selection and Reimbursement

FL H1407

Compounding Pharmacies

FL H0899

Insurer Disclosures on Prescription Drug Coverage

FL H0283

Storage and Disposal of Prescription Drugs and Sharps

FL H1543

Prescription Drug Coverage

FL H1527

Prohibitions Against Discriminatory Practices Relating to 340B Entities and 340B Drugs

FL H1611

Insurance

FL H0655

Pet Insurance and Wellness Programs

FL H0493

Pharmacy

FL H0273

Pharmacy

Similar Bills

AK SB121

Pharmacies/pharmacists/benefits Managers

AK HB226

Pharmacies/pharmacists/benefits Managers

ND SB2378

Clinician-administered drugs.

IN HB1158

Health and human services matters.

CT SB00068

An Act Concerning The Department Of Social Services' Recommended Changes To The Medical Assistance And Pharmacy Statutes.

MA S777

Relative to specialty medications and patient safety

MA S665

Relative to specialty medications and patient safety

MA H1144

Relative to specialty medications and patient safety