Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2723

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to pharmacy networks for health benefit plans for certain governmental employees.

Impact

The bill amends various sections of the Insurance Code, specifically introducing new provisions that require the board of trustees to identify regions with an insufficient number of participating pharmacies. In such cases, it allows for the establishment of pharmacy networks tailored to specific regions. This provision could greatly affect the availability of prescription drugs and how they are distributed to employees in less populated or underserved areas of Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2723 is designed to regulate pharmacy networks that provide prescription drugs for health benefit plans pertaining specifically to certain governmental employees. The goal of this legislation is to enable cost savings and improved efficiency through the establishment of a limited network of pharmacy providers. By consolidating the number of pharmacies contracted to provide drugs, the bill aims to achieve economies of scale that can benefit both the state and the employees covered under the health benefit plans.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to create efficiencies in drug distribution for governmental health benefit plans, it may raise concerns among employees who could perceive a limitation on their choice of pharmacy. Stakeholders may argue about the implications of limited participation from independent pharmacies and the potential impact on access to medications. Moreover, transparency in how pharmacy providers are selected and how it affects overall healthcare costs will likely be points of contention in the ongoing discourse surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB840

Relating to the establishment of a bundled-pricing program to reduce certain health care costs in the state employees group benefits program.

TX HB3460

Relating to coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders under certain governmental health benefit plans.

TX HB2562

Relating to coverage for low-THC cannabis under certain group benefit plans for governmental employees.

TX SB2502

Relating to certain limitations on reimbursements paid for inpatient and outpatient hospital services for certain publicly funded health benefit plan coverage for employees and retirees.

TX HB1647

Relating to health benefit plan coverage of clinician-administered drugs.

TX HB1527

Relating to the relationship between dentists and certain employee benefit plans and health insurers.

TX HB5186

Relating to the establishment of the state health benefit plan reimbursement review board and the reimbursement for health care services or supplies provided under certain state-funded health benefit plans.

TX SB1138

Relating to health benefit plan coverage of clinician-administered drugs.

TX SB1981

Relating to the relationship between dentists and certain employee benefit plans and health insurers.

TX HB4611

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the health and human services laws governing the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid, and other social services.

Similar Bills

CA AB913

Pharmacy benefit managers.

CA SB362

Chain community pharmacies: quotas.

LA HB432

Provides for the regulation of pharmacy services administrative organizations (OR +$88,000 SG EX See Note)

MS HB1125

Pharmacy services; prohibit insurers and PBMs from requiring persons to obtain exclusively through pharmacies that they own.

LA HB387

Provides for the regulation of pharmacy services administrative organizations

CA AB401

Pharmacy: remote dispensing site pharmacy: telepharmacy: shared clinic office space.

CA AB690

Pharmacies: relocation: remote dispensing site pharmacy: pharmacy technician: qualifications.

MS HB1119

Pharmacy benefit managers; revise provisions related to.