For the third consecutive year, PBM reform legislation is headed to the desk of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). S.B. 41 passed both legislative chambers with strong votes: In the Assembly, 69 members voted in favor of the bill, two against, and nine were absent/abstained/did not vote; and in the Senate, it passed unanimously. The bill has been amended numerous times through its legislative process. Among its provisions, the bill headed to the governor stops patient steering, outlaws spread pricing, prohibits PBMs from reimbursing their owned or affiliated pharmacies more than others, and prohibits most retroactive claims adjustments.
The governor has until Oct. 12 to sign the bill. NCPA has issued a grassroots call to action, asking all members in California to contact the governor. We need the third time to be a charm for PBM reform in the Golden State!
