The Joint Commission on Health Care executive subcommittee said Thursday it will incorporate House Bill 2023, which directs the Virginia Department of Health to create an independent pharmacy support program, into its ongoing comprehensive study of access to pharmacy services.

Delegate Anthony, the sponsor whose bill was referred to the commission, urged members to consider the measure’s core elements as staff develop policy options. "Right now, it's even more crucial, to take a second look at HB 2023," Delegate Anthony said. "We want to make sure that people who have been medically underserved are taken care of."

A former independent pharmacist who addressed the subcommittee described "pharmacy deserts" in both rural and urban areas and highlighted reimbursement pressures from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The pharmacist said many prescriptions filled through Medicaid managed-care organizations reimburse below the drug’s cost and that closures can force patients to drive 30 to 40 miles to reach a pharmacy.

Staff context and next steps: Sarah, a JCHC staff member, said the commission already planned to incorporate the bill into its broader study of access to pharmacy services and will provide a background briefing on that topic at the next meeting. Staff also noted one additional position was transferred to JCHC to handle mandated health insurance benefit review work and that they expect to begin certain assessments in the fall.

Budget context: During the discussion a member noted the governor's reconvened budget proposal included $1.7 million for similar purposes and that the House approved the funding while the Senate did not. Staff did not adopt any immediate budget action; instead the topic will be studied within the commission’s existing pharmacy access review.

Ending: The commission will brief members on the pharmacy access study at the next meeting and present policy options in the fall and final report later in 2025.