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Hospitals Urge Guardrails as Insurers, PBMs Warn of Price Spike in Bagging Debate
Summary
Hospitals and pharmacists told lawmakers SB 256 would protect patients from delays and storage risks tied to insurer‑directed specialty pharmacy 'bagging'; insurers and PBMs said banning the practice would raise premiums and remove a cost control tool.
Hospitals, pharmacy directors and patient advocates urged the Commerce Committee to adopt guardrails for white‑bagging and brown‑bagging practices, saying clinician‑administered specialty drugs shipped by insurers to providers or patients can pose safety and timing risks.
Sen. Tim McHugh, sponsor of SB 256, said the amended bill does not prohibit bagging but requires agreements and shared decision‑making between providers, carriers and patients when a carrier's specialty pharmacy supplies clinician‑administered drugs. He framed the bill as a patient‑centered compromise after stakeholder negotiations in the Senate.
Hospital witnesses described recurring operational problems:…
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