Industry News

On December 13, 2023, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reported that the highest priorities in 2023 state legislation were related to prescription drug access and affordability. According to the NCSL, “Of the more than 800 bills proposed across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, nearly 150 were enacted. The year’s major legislative trends included pharmacy benefit manager reforms, lowering patient costs and increasing access, and curbing high drug prices.”   

Over the past 10 years, states have attempted to reduce drug costs by addressing various business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). In 2023, about 25% of prescription drug legislation was directed at PBM reforms. 

In 2024, it is expected that state legislators will likely continue to focus on laws intended to increase access to prescription drugs and help control drug costs.

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