Bill > S479

This bill supports community retail pharmacies and improves transparency in pharmacy services through several comprehensive provisions. The SCRIPT Act introduces extensive regulations affecting pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), insurers, and pharmacies, with key provisions including: requiring PBMs to obtain state licenses, mandating disclosure of ownership and contract terms, prohibiting discriminatory reimbursement practices, establishing pharmacy audit protections, and creating new transparency requirements for prescription drug pricing. The bill requires PBMs to treat independent pharmacies fairly, prevents them from reimbursing pharmacies at rates below drug acquisition costs, and mandates that insurers calculate patient cost-sharing based on actual drug prices after manufacturer rebates. Additionally, the legislation creates reporting requirements for drug manufacturers about price increases, establishes a public portal for prescription drug pricing information, and extends existing Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement rates. The bill aims to protect independent pharmacies, increase transparency in pharmaceutical pricing, and ensure more equitable treatment of pharmacies and consumers in the healthcare system.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S479