Bill > SR209

This resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study on the potential impacts of prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies. PBMs are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurance plans, and vertical integration in this context means these companies control multiple aspects of healthcare, including insurance, pharmacy benefit management, and pharmacy operations. The resolution requests a detailed report by March 1, 2026, that will analyze various potential consequences of such a prohibition, including estimated cost savings or expenses for plan sponsors, impacts on Medicare pharmacy networks, potential employment changes, the number and location of affected pharmacies, patient access to specialized medications, implications for TRICARE prescription services, the capacity of remaining pharmacies to serve patients, and potential Medicaid prescription noncompliance costs. The resolution highlights concerns about market consolidation, where three major corporations currently manage pharmacy benefits for over 75% of Americans, which can limit competition and potentially increase healthcare costs for patients. By requesting this study, the Louisiana Senate aims to gather comprehensive data to understand the potential effects of restricting PBM ownership of pharmacies.