New York passed a package of health-related bills in an effort to improve health care access and reduce costs amidst federal cuts in healthcare spending. The package included the New York State Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act (S.1618) and legislation that establishes a state-based wholesale prescription drug program (S.371), among others initiatives.

The bipartisan National Association of Attorneys General wrote to Congressional leaders in support of a bill prohibiting PBMs from owning pharmacies. The act is an effort to promote a free market and combat anti-competitive behavior.

In an attempt to curb PBM growth and concentration, states are now scrutinizing PBM behavior against their own laws. This audit in Tennessee found that Express Scripts violated state law related to reimbursement, dispensing fees, and pharmacy appeal processes.

A new bill in Alabama (SB252) was brought to the Governor’s desk (and has since been signed into law), to protect the role of independent pharmacies and combat PBM spread pricing, among other things. The enacted text can be found at Act Number 2025 – 136.

The Arkansas Legislature passed a bill (HB1150) prohibiting PBMs from owning pharmacies in the state. The bill has since been signed into law (Act 624).