2024 Legislative Session Summary continued...
bills, many that were close to the fi nish line, throughout this session. While giving it our best eff orts, the gridlock in the Senate shut down any potential avenues for this legislation. Stakeholders have all agreed that this is a necessary piece of legislation and are prepared to maneuver during the 2025 session with a new Senate and House.
Pharmacy Benefi t
Managers – Did Not Pass HB 1627, SB 843, and SB 1105 sponsored
by Representative Dale Wright (R-116) Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R-Cole), and Senator Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) sought to bring greater transparency and regulatory oversight to the practices of pharmacy benefi t managers (PBMs). T ese contained provisions that would prevent a PBM from requiring patients to use mail- order pharmacies, rather than a pharmacy of their choosing, and contained provisions to create reimbursement parity for non- PBM affi liated pharmacies. T ese also bills codifi ed the defi nition of a rebate, established the fi duciary duty of PBMs, and prohibited categorizing brand name medications as generics. T e House Bill made it through the committee process, unlike the previous session, and was placed on the House Calendar for debate. Due to a lack of time this session, the bill did not have a chance to be brought to the fl oor. Both Senate Bills were heard in the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee, and Senators on both sides of the aisle wanted to work to move this bill forward. However, given the gridlock and limited fl oor time, the PBM bill did not advance, especially as the 340B bill was also being negotiated at the same time.
Co-Pay Accumulator – Did Not Pass Representative Dale Wright, Senator Mike
Bernskoetter, and Senator Travis Fitzwater fi led legislation to require insurance carriers to count patients’ payments made with manufacturer or non-profi t coupons towards their deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. T is bill was similar to the negotiated version that passed the House in 2023 by a vote of 117 to 38. T is session
insurers as well as labor organization came out against the bill, causing the bill to stagnate at times through the process. T e Senate’s dysfunction also caused this bill to not move throughout the process.
Looking Ahead Signifi cant ballot measures are also
expected to go before voters this year, including amendments on sports betting and reproductive rights. T e eff ort to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution is expected to be a boon for Democrat turnout this cycle, especially in the suburbs. While Missouri will remain a deeply red state for the foreseeable future, there are several seats that Democrats are expected to fl ip and a handful that will be closely contested. As in previous election cycles, the results
of the August primary will have signifi cant implications for Missouri’s executive branch as well as the functioning of the Legislature. T e Senate Freedom Caucus, which caused so much disruption this session, could remain stable or shrink depending on the outcomes of the primary. T ere are hopes that this session will represent a low point in legislative functioning and more productivity will return next year. However, there are numerous factors to watch moving into next year that will impact these dynamics. MPA and our lobbying team would like to
take this time to thank our members for their continuous support throughout the 2024 legislative session. Your passion and stories allow MPA to be the voice for all of Missouri pharmacy. With session over, we ask that you continue to educate your legislators on the impact that you have in your community. As we gear up for the 2025 legislative session, it is crucial that pharmacy plays a role in setting the agenda for the healthcare battles that will take place in the State Capitol. With the headwinds we face, your support by donating to the Pharmacist Political Action Committee of Missouri will play a crucial role in ensuring that the voice of pharmacy is heard during this year’s elections. T ank you again for your unwavering commitment to your profession and the practice of pharmacy.
Help Us Reform
PBM Practices T e MPA tracks key issues in the
policymaking process and the elected legislators and candidates who support
and give their consideration to the many issues that are vital to the pharmacy profession. Although pharmacy has been fairing well in the Missouri
General Assembly, any election could tip the scales. While your vote counts
more than ever, so does that extra eff ort with which you support a
candidate. Your eff orts beyond the ballot box are pivotal to ensuring a candidates’ success.
Your Donations Make A Diff erence
WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE?
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42 Missouri PHARMACIST | Volume 98, Issue II | Summer 2024
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