Today, Congress passed legislation to extend government funding. The package includes healthcare provisions aligned with some of ASHP’s top advocacy priorities, including a two-year Medicare telehealth extension and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. These PBM reforms were previously supported by ASHP.
ASHP supports legislation that addresses harmful PBM practices, including excessive PBM fees, PBM compensation based on medication prices, and a lack of transparency. ASHP has previously advocated for reforms that include prohibiting reimbursement based on spread pricing, increasing transparency, and passing through rebates to the pharmacy counter. While the Medicaid spread pricing provision was not included in the Senate bill, ASHP will continue to advocate for its passage.
In addition to PBM reforms, the appropriations language also includes provisions extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities and mandating continued funding for community health centers.
ASHP applauds this congressional action against harmful PBM practices and will continue to keep members informed of legislation that is relevant to pharmacists and the patients they serve.
Members can learn more about harmful PBM practices by listening to our four-part podcast series discussing PBMs.
