Senate adopts resolution asking Department of Health to study PBM ownership of pharmacies

The Louisiana State Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 209, a study resolution asking the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to analyze the potential impacts of prohibiting pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) ownership of pharmacies in Louisiana.

Senator Talbot described the scope of the requested study on the floor, asking LDH to examine a range of consequences if PBMs were restricted from owning pharmacies. The resolution asks for: an estimate of cost savings for plan sponsors; impacts on Medicare pharmacy network adequacy standards; estimates of potential employment gains or losses; the number, location, and scope of services of pharmacies that would be prohibited; effects on patient access to limited-distribution and specialty medications; potential limitations on TRICARE prescription access; the capacity of non-prohibited pharmacies to serve patients displaced from prohibited pharmacies; and potential Medicaid cost implications for noncompliance. "This is what we talked about. Study resolution request the department of health to study the impacts of prohibition of PBM ownership of pharmacies...estimate the cost of savings, plan sponsors, impact of Medicare pharmacy network adequacy standards, estimate of potential gain or loss employment," Senator Talbot said, listing the specific items the study should address.

The Senate recessed for a machine vote and the transcript records the resolution passed by a recorded vote; the secretary closed the machines with 38 ayes and 0 nays according to the floor record. The resolution will direct LDH to prepare a report for the legislature as described in the resolution text.

Why it matters: PBM ownership of pharmacies is tied to pharmacy market structure, patient access to certain medicines, and potential cost and network adequacy implications for Medicaid, Medicare and private plan sponsors. The resolution places the Department of Health on notice to assemble data and analysis for legislative consideration.

Discussion vs. decision: Senator Talbot provided the floor explanation of the study request (discussion) and the Senate formally adopted the study resolution by recorded vote (decision). The resolution instructs LDH to compile the study and report back as specified in the resolution text; the transcript does not specify report deadlines or submission dates in the floor remarks.