Bill > HB614

This bill amends Kentucky law regarding pharmacy reimbursement by removing the requirement for a temporary minimum dispensing fee specifically for retail independent pharmacies. The bill defines several technical terms related to pharmacy services, including "national average drug acquisition cost" (NADAC) and "wholesale acquisition cost," and establishes rules for contracts between pharmacies and insurers or pharmacy benefit managers. Notably, the bill prohibits various practices that could reduce pharmacy reimbursement, such as retroactive claim denials and creating indirect fees. Starting January 1, 2027, the bill requires reimbursement for professional dispensing fees based on the average cost to dispense a prescription in a Kentucky ambulatory pharmacy, which will be determined by the commissioner through a study conducted with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. The bill eliminates the previous fixed minimum dispensing fee of $10.64 for retail independent pharmacies and instead creates a more dynamic, data-driven approach to determining dispensing fees. The legislation includes an emergency clause, suggesting an urgent need to address prescription drug costs, and will apply to contracts entered on or after its effective date.

Business and Industry

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb614.html