Dr. Kevin Duane, owner of Panama Pharmacy in Jacksonville, and an NCPA member testified before the Florida House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday about the impact of PBMs on patient access and community pharmacies. You can see his testimony here (starting at 6:15). Great job, Kevin!
Earlier this month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) held a press conference (his remarks starting at 5:30 are of particular interest). DeSantis proposed legislation that seeks to rein in the abusive practices of PBMs. DeSantis urged the legislature to address, among other things, spread pricing, pharmacy reimbursement clawbacks and patient steering. Despite major efforts by pharmacy and patient advocates, Florida has been a difficult state to pass PBM reforms in because of the heavy presence of health plans. Having the governor as an ally is a huge step forward. Additionally, two pharmacists were recently elected to the Florida state legislature, Shane Abbott (R- House District 5) and Gallop Franklin (D-House District 8).
