Arkansas House Bill 1150 aims to curb PBM monopolies and enhance patient choice

In a pivotal meeting held on April 8, 2025, the Arkansas Senate's Insurance and Commerce Committee gathered to discuss House Bill 1150, a legislative measure aimed at curbing the monopolistic practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that have been impacting prescription drug pricing and access for Arkansans. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as lawmakers and stakeholders voiced their concerns over the rising costs of medications and the diminishing role of local pharmacies.

Senator Hammer, a key proponent of the bill, highlighted alarming statistics from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) indicating that a staggering 70% of every dollar spent on cancer therapies and specialty drugs is funneled through just three PBM-owned pharmacies: CVS, Optum, and Express Scripts. This concentration of power, he argued, not only stifles competition but also inflates prices, with patients facing exorbitant costs for essential medications. For instance, a cancer patient was reported to have been charged $19,000 for a prescription through a PBM-owned mail order service, while the same medication would have cost only $100 at a local pharmacy.

The proposed legislation seeks to dismantle these anti-competitive practices by allowing patients the freedom to fill prescriptions at local pharmacies, thereby restoring personal care and community trust. The bill has undergone multiple amendments, incorporating feedback from patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies to address real-world access concerns. Importantly, it is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, providing ample time for stakeholders to adapt.

Support for House Bill 1150 extends beyond lawmakers; Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has publicly endorsed the bill, sharing personal experiences of how PBM practices have disrupted access to care for him and his family. He emphasized that the legislation is fundamentally about restoring choice and improving affordability for Arkansans.

John Vincent, CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, echoed these sentiments, noting the significant job losses and pharmacy closures attributed to PBM monopolies. He reassured committee members that the bill would not eliminate specialty pharmacies but rather promote fair competition, ensuring that patients have access to necessary medications without being funneled into costly mail-order services.

As discussions unfolded, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on mental health services and the availability of specialty drugs. However, Vincent and other advocates maintained that a robust network of pharmacies across the state is prepared to meet these needs, emphasizing the importance of local care and the relationships that pharmacists build with their patients.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to address ongoing concerns and misinformation surrounding the bill, as well as a promise to ensure that all Arkansans, including veterans and those with mental health needs, would continue to receive the care they deserve. As the legislative process moves forward, the implications of House Bill 1150 could reshape the landscape of pharmacy services in Arkansas, fostering a more competitive and accessible healthcare environment for all.