PBM Reform = PBM Transparency

At last week’s Interim Committee hearing, legislators made it clear that transparency is the key issue when it comes to PBM reform. We couldn’t agree more. Our PBM reform bill will shine a light on PBM practices and reign in some of their worst abuses that are causing Kansas pharmacies to close.

Here’s what happened this week:

• The Interim Committee on Pharmaceutical Sciences met on Friday, Sept. 28 for a one-day session to learn about 340B and PBM Reform from relevant stakeholders. Check out our summary below or watch the full meeting here 

• First draft of PBM Reform Bill continues to be shared with key stakeholders through meetings with local lawmakers

Here’s how you can help right now.

We are working to schedule pharmacy visits with every legislator across the state before Thanksgiving. We need everyone to participate in these meetings. Please sign up to help today! 

🤝 Sign up you and your coworkers to Adopt a Legislator to take part in upcoming legislator pharmacy visits.

📤 Ask at least 3 other Kansas pharmacies you know to sign up too (forward this email)

❓ Worried about meeting with a legislator? Don’t be! We’ll be sending resources to help. Send us any questions or concerns you have and we’ll help you feel prepared.

More details

 Interim Committee Meeting on Pharmaceutical Studies Recap

Don’t have time to watch the entire video? Fast forward to the relevant timestamps to get key highlights

• Key takeaways from the meeting:

  • Lawmakers are confused about 340b and PBMs and how the programs differ

  • Lawmakers agree on wanting to protect Kansas patients and businesses and feel the key is through transparency across both the 340b program and PBMs

  • Kansas Department of Insurance testimony on PBM Licensure Act (2:22)

    • Description of what the department can and cannot enforce with PBMs

  • Three KPhA members testified on behalf of Kansas pharmacists

    • Brian Caswell, Wolker Drug (4:20)

    • Mike Burns, Auburn Pharmacies (4:31)

    • Matt Morrison, OreadRx (4:10)

  • PBM lobbyists presented a different perspective that was not entirely accurate. 

    • Kansas Employers for Affordable Healthcare Organization (2:56)

    • PCMA - PBM Lobbying group (4:42)

  • Q&A after all testimonies is very insightful (5:35)

DON’T FORGET: Adopt a Lawmaker – Sign up for our Adopt a Lawmaker campaign. You’ll be matched with a legislator and given resources to build a relationship, so your voice can be heard where it matters most.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! Forward to a Pharmacy Friend – Work with another pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or pharmacy student? Forward this email to them! Every pharmacy professional in Kansas has a powerful voice to influence change. Lawmakers want to hear directly from experts and from the people most impacted by their decisions.

Questions or comments? Email KPhA’s GAC Communications Committee