House adopts PBM transparency bill meant to protect community pharmacies

The North Carolina House adopted the conference report for Senate Bill 479 on June 26, a measure aimed at pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform and increasing transparency for community pharmacies.

Representative Ryan, speaking for the conference report, said the bill ensures a patient’s right to use their pharmacy of choice, increases transparency around pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs) and PBMs, prevents PBMs from requiring independent pharmacies to accept contracts that reimburse below acquisition cost, and strengthens audit protections for pharmacies. “This bill ensures a patient's right to use their pharmacy of choice,” Ryan said on the floor.

Representative Crawford, who said she previously opposed PBM bills, praised the conference agreement as a compromise that reduces drug costs and supports independent and rural pharmacies. Supporters argued the reforms will help prevent community pharmacy closures and give employers clearer information about spread pricing.

The House adopted the conference report and the clerk recorded the adoption; the bill will be ordered, enrolled and sent to the governor.

Why it matters: PBM practices affect drug prices and the viability of independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas. The bill’s provisions were described on the floor as improving transparency, strengthening audit protections, and guarding against below‑cost reimbursement that can drive pharmacies out of business. Next steps: The enrolled bill will be transmitted to the governor for action.