Bill > SB1340

This bill establishes new regulations for how health carriers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) interact with covered entities that participate in the 340B drug pricing program, which helps certain healthcare providers access discounted prescription drugs. The bill prohibits these organizations from discriminating against covered entities, including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers, by implementing unfair reimbursement practices. Specifically, the bill prevents health carriers and PBMs from reimbursing 340B drug providers at lower rates compared to other pharmacies, imposing different contract terms, requiring identification of 340B drugs, refusing to cover 340B drugs, or mandating unnecessary claim reversals. The legislation empowers the director of the department of commerce and insurance to enforce these rules and impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation per day. The bill requires the director to create specific rules defining "similarly situated" pharmacies and establishing guidelines for implementing these anti-discrimination protections. The goal is to ensure that covered entities can fully benefit from the 340B drug pricing program without facing punitive or differential treatment from health carriers and pharmacy benefits managers.

Health and Social Services

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=285