Supporters and opponents clash in Rules hearing over HB 3,409 amendment letting covered entities use clearinghouse to identify 340B claims

Summary

House Bill 3,409 (dash 2) would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers and insurers from forcing contract pharmacies to add 340B claim modifiers if the covered entity submits claims through a clearinghouse; proponents said the change reduces administrative burden for rural providers, opponents said it weakens transparency and accountability.

House Bill 3,409 (dash 2 amendment) drew an extended hearing on April 21 before the House Committee on Rules. The measure would specify circumstances under which a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) or insurer may not require a modifier or indicator that a dispensed drug was purchased under the federal 340B program, and would prohibit PBMs from requiring participation in or subscription to a clearinghouse. The bill also clarifies that PBMs may not penalize pharmacies participating in 340B contract arrangements by paying them less or excluding them from networks for that reason.

Mister Niebuhr introduced the measure and described the dash 2 amendment’s technical changes, including a 90-day effective delay. Representative Cyrus Javidy, a sponsor, said the bill aims to preserve access to medicines in rural areas where a…

Supporters and opponents clash in Rules hearing over HB 3,409 amendment letting covered entities use clearinghouse to identify 340B claims

Summary

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