TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–EMPOWER Patients, a coalition of independent and neighborhood pharmacies, praised Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Homestead) for fighting for meaningful reform to Florida’s pharmacy benefit manager (PBMs) system. Senate Bill 1306 (SB 1306), filed this week, aims to reform PBM usage in Florida’s Medicaid system. Dr. Kevin Duane, Panama Pharmacy, Jacksonville, said, “We are thrilled to work with Sen. Rodriguez to pass meaningful PBM reform in Florida so that all patients can access affordable medication. Legislators face a major budget deficit this year, but we have a solution on the table that will save the state millions of dollars. This bill would bring greater transparency in Florida’s Medicaid system by moving to a single pharmacy benefit administrator that would give the state greater oversight of taxpayer dollars. This is a major step forward in lifting the veil that has shrouded the PBM system in our state.” Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez(R-Homestead) said, “Not only is this legislation a great step toward helping our state save taxpayer dollars, but it also protects our most vulnerable residents. This bill will provide more accountability and transparency over critical taxpayer dollars. I look forward to working together with all stakeholders on this important issue that impacts Florida patients and our state.” SB 1306 would require AHCA to select a single pharmacy benefit administrator through a competitive procurement process to administer all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients enrolled in managed care plans; require the agency to complete the procurement process and select the pharmacy benefit administrator by a specified date; and prohibit managed care organizations from providing pharmacy benefits for their enrolled members. The bill filing comes in the same week that the Florida House Finance and Facilities Subcommittee will be hearing a presentation from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Milliman on the findings from the analysis of PBMs in Florida’s Medicaid system released in December 2020. The Florida House Finance and Facilities Subcommittee meeting will take place on Thursday, February 18, at 10 a.m.
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