Bill > SR53

This resolution requests the Administrator of the State Health Planning and Development Agency to convene a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group to address concerns about PBM practices in the state. The working group would include representatives from various state agencies, pharmacy associations, and independent pharmacies, and is tasked with evaluating key issues such as PBM oversight, reporting requirements, fair audit procedures, reimbursement practices, and protections against patient steering. Pharmacy Benefit Managers, which are intermediaries between pharmacies and insurance companies, have been criticized for controlling the prescription drug market, using spread pricing models that increase drug costs, and creating conflicts of interest by owning both PBMs and pharmacy chains. The resolution aims to improve transparency, fairness, lower drug costs for consumers, and increase healthcare access by establishing this working group, which would be required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature prior to the 2026 Regular Session. The effort is motivated by the significant market control of the three largest PBMs and the negative impact of their practices on independent pharmacies and patient consumers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=53&year=2025