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Senate panel advances bill to move Virginia Medicaid pharmacy benefit to single state-contracted PBM
Summary
Senate subcommittee members advanced SB 875, the Save the Local Pharmacies Act, after lengthy testimony from pharmacists, pharmacy owners and health‑plan representatives about disappearing community pharmacies and PBM practices they say threaten access.
Senate subcommittee members advanced SB 875, the Save the Local Pharmacies Act, after lengthy testimony from pharmacists, pharmacy owners and health-plan representatives about disappearing community pharmacies and the role PBMs play in Medicaid reimbursements.
The bill, presented by Sen. Rouse, would realign Virginia’s Medicaid pharmacy benefit under a single state‑contracted PBM. Sponsors said the change aims to increase transparency, curb PBM practices that they said divert payments meant for pharmacies and stabilize independent and rural pharmacy access. Sen. Rouse cited other states that moved to a single‑PBM model and reported large savings, and estimated the bill could save Virginia about $39…
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