Arkansas Senate passes bill that prevents pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Arkansas Senate passes a bill on April 9 that prevents pharmacy benefit managers from owning their pharmacies.
Pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Health negotiate drug prices from companies and pharmacies.
According to HB1150, PBMs won't be forced out of Arkansas, but it does force them to choose between being a PBM or being a pharmacy.
Arkansas bill would prevent Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies
John Vinson with the Arkansas Pharmacists' Association said the bill creates a more competitive market.
People against the bill say it will decrease access to pharmacies, but Vinson said there is other legislation to expand access.
The bill heads to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' desk for her to sign.
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