Bill > HR329

This resolution urges the Louisiana attorney general and the Department of Insurance to investigate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are intermediary companies that manage prescription drug benefits for insurance providers. The resolution highlights concerns about PBMs' market practices, including their ability to own pharmacies and potentially manipulate drug pricing and reimbursement rates. Specifically, the resolution calls for an investigation into PBMs' compliance with existing laws and requests legislative action to prohibit PBMs from owning or controlling pharmacies in the state. The resolution is motivated by evidence from other states showing that PBMs can create competitive disadvantages for independent pharmacies, potentially increase prescription drug costs, and reduce patient access to care. The document notes that PBMs now process 80% of all prescriptions in the United States and control 70% of specialty drug revenues, which has contributed to the closure of approximately 10% of rural independent pharmacies nationwide. By transmitting this resolution to key state officials, the Louisiana House of Representatives aims to draw attention to these issues and promote more transparent and fair pharmaceutical practices.

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HR329&sbi=y