summary
Introduced
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
In Committee
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
Crossed Over
05/20/2025
05/20/2025
Passed
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
CONCERNING MEASURES TO PRESERVE HEALTH-CARE ACCESS PROVIDED BY RURAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES.
AI Summary
This bill aims to preserve and support rural independent pharmacies in Colorado by introducing several key provisions. The bill defines a "rural independent pharmacy" as a privately owned prescription drug outlet run by a licensed pharmacist with no chain or corporate affiliation. It addresses challenges faced by rural pharmacies, particularly those related to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), by prohibiting PBMs from preventing rural independent pharmacies from using private couriers or delivery services to deliver prescriptions. Starting January 1, 2026, the bill requires PBMs to reimburse rural independent pharmacies at least at the national average drug acquisition cost plus a dispensing fee, which will be incrementally increased by 1% annually to account for inflation. The legislation also enhances audit procedures for rural independent pharmacies, mandating multiple electronic notifications and process serving before recouping funds over $1,000. Additionally, the bill provides flexibility for rural independent pharmacies by allowing prescription drug outlets to have prescriptions interpreted and evaluated by a licensed pharmacist remotely. The bill's underlying motivation is to address the significant number of pharmacy closures in rural areas, which have been impacting healthcare access for vulnerable populations, and to ensure these critical healthcare providers can continue serving their communities.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (71)
Ryan Armagost (R)*,
Mark Baisley (R)*,
Andrew Boesenecker (D)*,
Scott Bright (R)*,
Marc Catlin (R)*,
Nick Hinrichsen (D)*,
Dusty Johnson (R)*,
Cathy Kipp (D)*,
Chris Kolker (D)*,
Meghan Lukens (D)*,
Janice Marchman (D)*,
Tisha Mauro (D)*,
Rod Pelton (R)*,
Janice Rich (R)*,
Dylan Roberts (D)*,
Cleave Simpson (R)*,
Marc Snyder (D)*,
Ty Winter (R)*,
Yara Zokaie (D)*,
Judy Amabile (D),
Jennifer Bacon (D),
Matt Ball (D),
Carlos Barron (R),
Shannon Bird (D),
Brandi Bradley (R),
Jeff Bridges (D),
Kyle Brown (D),
Jarvis Caldwell (R),
Sean Camacho (D),
John Carson (R),
Chad Clifford (D),
James Coleman (D),
Lisa Cutter (D),
Lindsey Daugherty (D),
Monica Duran (D),
Regina English (D),
Cecelia Espenoza (D),
Tony Exum (D),
Lisa Frizell (R),
Meg Froelich (D),
Lori Garcia Sander (R),
Julie Gonzales (D),
Ryan Gonzalez (R),
Eliza Hamrick (D),
Jamie Jackson (D),
Iman Jodeh (D),
Junie Joseph (D),
Rebecca Keltie (R),
Barbara Kirkmeyer (R),
Sheila Lieder (D),
Larry Liston (R),
Paul Lundeen (R),
Javier Mabrey (D),
Bob Marshall (D),
Matt Martinez (D),
Julie McCluskie (D),
Karen McCormick (D),
Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D),
Kyle Mullica (D),
Amy Paschal (D),
Byron Pelton (R),
Chris Richardson (R),
Manny Rutinel (D),
Matt Soper (R),
Katie Stewart (D),
Tammy Story (D),
Elizabeth Velasco (D),
Katie Wallace (D),
Ron Weinberg (R),
Michael Weissman (D),
Faith Winter (D),
Last Action
Governor Signed (on 05/27/2025)
Official Document
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