Consumer Protection Bills Approved by House, Say Heffley and Ward
HARRISBURG – The House approved legislation by Reps. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and Judy Ward (R-Blair) to protect consumers and independent pharmacies from unfair drug prices and reimbursement rates.
“Rep. Ward and I heard extensively about issues within the pharmacy community, including from several community pharmacy owners about unfair reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients,” Heffley said. “We believe our legislation – House Bills
2211 and
2212 – offers fixes to these issues that would benefit consumers and small businessowners.”
It was recently brought to light that some pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have been cutting reimbursements to community pharmacies for medications sold to patients on Medicaid. This practice has led to substantial financial difficulties for community pharmacies, which are typically locally owned family businesses. Heffley’s House Bill 2212 would remedy the problem.
Many of Pennsylvania’s rural areas are served by community pharmacies. In Carbon County, for example, more than half of the pharmacies are locally owned and operated.
In addition, when PBMs contract with pharmacies, the documents may at times contain what is referred to as a “gag clause,” which prohibits pharmacists from disclosing information to a customer that could reduce their out-of-pocket costs for medications. Ward’s House Bill 2211 would permit pharmacists to disclose drug information, allowing consumers to get the best price for their medications.
“What was shocking to me during my research of this issue is that for many less expensive or generic medicines, co-pays can often be more expensive than if the patient simply pays out-of-pocket and bypasses insurance,” said Ward. “Yet, sometimes a pharmacist is prevented from telling their customers about potential savings, which is a frustration to them when trying to help their customers.”
Both bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Representative Judy Ward
80th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com