Bill > HB1539

This bill aims to repeal certain rules that previously prevented health plans and pharmacy benefit managers from imposing different fees, conditions, or requirements on community retail pharmacies compared to mail-order pharmacies, with the goal of allowing consumers more choice in how they obtain their prescription medications and potentially lowering costs. Specifically, it removes provisions that prohibited imposing copayments, fees, or other conditions on patients using retail pharmacies if those were not also applied to patients using mail-order pharmacies, and it eliminates restrictions on quantity limits, refill requirements, or reimbursement processes that were different for retail versus mail-order prescriptions. The legislature believes that by removing these restrictions, consumers can benefit from cost savings and convenience offered by mail-order pharmacies, while still having the option to choose their preferred method of obtaining medication, ultimately improving access to drugs and better health outcomes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1539&year=2026