Legislative update: 2019 week 9
Week 9 of Georgia’s legislative session saw limited progress for GPhA’s priority legislation but plenty of activity.
With both bills yet to be heard in their assigned committee, Senate Health and Human Services, PBMs, insurers, and managed care organizations moving aggressively to try to kill HB 233.
As a reminder…
- HB 323 restricts PBM and insurer patient “steering,” strengthens anti-mandatory mail order, adds audit protections, prohibits PBMs from making knowing misrepresentations, and restricts patient data mining.
- HB 233 is a companion bill that prohibits pharmacies from profiting off self-dealt prescriptions “steered” from their PBM and insurance affiliates.
In response, GPhA reached out to members and they sprang into action. A robust team of pharmacists walked the halls of the capitol meeting with senators and advocating for patient choice. Their presence was much needed and well received. Additionally, following a member alert, GPhA members worked the phones and wrote letters in support. These steps proved vital as there was much buzz about the legislation in the capitol and, the good news is we believe there will be a hearing for HB 323. With regard to HB 233, much resistance remains. GPhA has been in multiple high level meetings in an effort to move HB 233 forward and progress is being made.
A who’s who of Georgia’s contract lobbyists for PBMs, insurers, and Medicaid managed care organizations are pulling out all stops to try to kill this bill. While the legislative session is ticking down, we still have time to push HB 233 through. Look for important information to be sent to you via e-mail and fax later today from GPhA.
In terms of other legislation we are tracking, not much moved in Week 9 but we are anticipating Week 10 to be very robust and active.
