summary
Introduced
08/21/2025
08/21/2025
In Committee
08/21/2025
08/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
08/21/2025
08/21/2025
Introduced Session
2025 First Special Session
Bill Summary
The bill creates the "Prescription Drug Sourcing Transparency and Integrity Act" to prohibit a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) or a health-care consultant from knowingly making or disseminating false or misleading statements or claims to an employer, health benefit plan sponsor, or policyholder about the legality or safety of a lawful alternative prescription drug sourcing program. Upon written request by a self-funded employer or health benefit plan sponsor, a PBM or health-care consultant is required to provide certain cost information for each prescription drug dispensed under the health benefit plan. A violation of either the prohibition or information-sharing provisions of the bill is an unfair method of competition and unfair or deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance (unfair act or practice). In addition to imposing the existing penalties for engaging in an unfair act or practice, the bill authorizes the commissioner of insurance to impose additional penalties for a violation of the prohibition or information-sharing provisions of the bill in an amount up to $5,000 for a fourth or subsequent violation (additional penalties). Additional penalties collected are credited to the health insurance affordability cash fund to facilitate a reduction in insurance premium increases and to help avoid health insurance coverage loss. The prohibition and information-sharing provisions of the bill do not restrict or limit the rights of a self-funded employer or health benefit plan sponsor to purchase prescription drugs through and contract for a lawful alternative prescription drug sourcing program. The bill also recognizes that a pharmacy stewardship program is an effective cost-containment tool and is authorized when implemented in compliance with federal law and with the bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates the "Prescription Drug Sourcing Transparency and Integrity Act" to improve transparency and protect employers in prescription drug purchasing. The bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health-care consultants from making false or misleading statements about alternative prescription drug sourcing programs. Upon request, PBMs must provide detailed cost information for each prescription drug, including total drug cost, ingredient cost, dispensing fees, and member and plan-paid portions. The bill recognizes pharmacy stewardship programs as an effective cost-containment tool and allows self-funded employers to purchase prescription drugs through alternative sourcing programs, including drug importation programs authorized by federal law. Violations of the bill's provisions are considered unfair practices in the insurance business, with escalating penalties: a first violation results in a public letter of admonition, a second violation can incur a $1,000 penalty, a third violation a $2,000 penalty, and a fourth violation could lead to a PBM's registration being revoked or legal action. Penalties collected will be credited to the health insurance affordability cash fund to help reduce premium increases and prevent health insurance coverage loss.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Committee on Health & Human Services Postpone Indefinitely (on 08/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25b-1012 |
Fiscal Note FN2 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025B/bills/fn/2025b_hb25b-1012_f1.pdf |
BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025B/bills/2025b_1012_01.pdf |
Fiscal Note FN1 | https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025B/bills/fn/2025b_hb25b-1012_00.pdf |
Loading...