New Jersey Assembly Bill A536

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Refer: 5/26/22
• Report Pass: 6/22/23
• Report Pass: 6/27/23
• Engrossed: 6/30/23
• Enrolled: 6/30/23
• Chaptered: 7/10/23
• Passed: 7/10/23

Caption

Establishes new transparency standards for pharmacy benefits manager business practices.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies existing state laws surrounding pharmacy benefits management. It amends the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers to include licensing requirements and compliance standards intended to prevent conflicts of interest and deceptive practices. This shift is expected to offer better consumer protections relating to prescription medication costs and greater oversight of the financial arrangements between pharmacy benefits managers and health plans.

Summary

A536 establishes new transparency standards for pharmacy benefits manager business practices in New Jersey. The bill aims to regulate how pharmacy benefits managers operate, ensuring they adhere to fair pricing practices and do not impose penalties on network pharmacies for offering consumers lower-cost alternatives. It also mandates that pharmacy benefits managers maintain transparent pricing information and update this information regularly to ensure accountability to consumers and healthcare providers.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding A536 is positive among consumer advocacy groups who believe it will enhance transparency and provide necessary protections. However, some pharmacy benefits managers and health insurance companies have expressed concerns about the increased regulatory burdens and costs associated with compliance. Proponents argue that the bill enables better healthcare affordability and accountability, which are essential in a market often criticized for its opacity regarding drug pricing.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential for increased costs associated with compliance for pharmacy benefits managers and health insurance companies. Critics contend that the new regulations could lead to higher premiums for consumers if the operational costs and penalties imposed by the bill are passed down. Additionally, questions remain regarding the enforcement mechanisms and how effectively the state can oversee the pharmacy benefits manager industry.