Labama lawmakers have set the minimum PBM payments for independent pharmacies

Montgomery, ALA (AP) – Laabama lawmakers voted on Tuesday to put new regulations on pharmacy allocations in an attempt to limit the closure of small pharmacies throughout the state.

The House of Representatives in Alabama state voted 102-0 for the proposal that will require at least to compensate for independent pharmacists to compensate independent pharmacists at the mandaid rate for the prescribed drugs. The draft law now goes to the governor of Alabama Kai Ivy.

“This was a victory for the Alabama people. It was a great victory for community pharmacists in Alabama who just want to be able to go to work, and earn living and care for their patients,” said Senator Billy Pesley, a Senate member who sponsored the bill. Pharmaceutical Pesley.

Dozens of independent pharmacies, many of them in rural areas, have been closed in Alabama over the past two years, according to the independent pharmacy alliance in Alabama. Pharmacists said that this may often cost more drugs than they are compensated by pharmacy allocations.

Pharmacy benefits managers benefit from the purchase strength with pharmaceutical companies in order to reduce the costs of drugs for consumers. However, independent pharmacists say commercial practices of benefits managers cause their money to be lost about 20 % of medical prescriptions.

Alabama is one of several states considering new regulations about pharmacy allocations, brokers between health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies. Legislation has also been suggested to obtain regulations on benefits in the state of Mississippi, Arkansas and other states.

Black wreath suspended on the drug door Adams in Montgomery, Alaa, February 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler)

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Subjects
Alabama legislation