Video & Transcript Research : 'pharmacy'
Page 19 of 101
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Nick Cahan, Professional Arts Pharmacy, president, in support, do not wish to speak.
- Nick Waltz, Louisiana Compound Pharmacy Coalition.
- Rachel Grosafco, Louisiana Compound Pharmacy Coalition.
- Rachel Grosafco with, I don't know, Galleria Medical Pharmacy—I don't know if I said it right.
- Louisiana Compound Pharmacy Coalition.
Keywords:
informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations, child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several health-related bills. SB 113, concerning the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish, was amended with a technical set and reported favorably with amendments after the author explained it would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city. SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities from the definition of food service establishment, was reported favorably. SB 150, allowing LDH to scan and return supporting documents for vital records changes, was also reported favorably. SB 221, which would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for treating patients on scene without transport, drew questions about billing, coding, and implementation but was reported favorably, with members noting it could reduce unnecessary ER use and costs.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- And so in an effort to give the Board of Pharmacy the ability to regulate bad actors, I think that's
- Then I think in section maybe four there's the recordkeeping and inspection for the Board of Pharmacy
- um to to do their board of pharmacy um to to do their quality<01:06:21.520>
checks. - Have you spoken to the Board of Pharmacy, and are they in favor of this bill?
- Two of the Board of Pharmacy members, Mr.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions.
The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially.
The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- HD2 relating to pharmacy. HD2 relating to pharmacy.
- >> Thank you. uh DCCA board of pharmacy >> Thank you. uh DCCA board of pharmacy with
- the DCCA that relate to pharmacy the DCCA that relate to pharmacy lensure.<01:27:33.600>
So,< - between pharmacists, um, pharmacy between pharmacists, um, pharmacy wholesalers,<01:27:39.760>
- for pharmacy will help pharmacies<01:28:44.159>
like <01:28:44.400>us <01:28:45.199> - for pharmacy will help pharmacies<01:28:44.159>
Bills:
HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268
Keywords:
retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The State Board of Pharmacy provides that as long as they act in a reasonable and prudent manner.
- And now you want it to be an over-the-counter drug where someone could just go into a pharmacy and get
- Okay, so you want consumers in your community to be able to go to a pharmacy and take a very dangerous
- Through false promises and ivermectin schemes, online pharmacies mark up ivermectin by 2,400 percent
- Whether it's in a shop or in a pharmacy, people need care, and we aren't meeting it.
Bills:
SB 3, SB 16, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB17, SB 54, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB192, HB8, HB25, HB26, HB48, HB149, HB192, HB254, HB17, SB54, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB3, SB16, SB2, SB5, SB10
Keywords:
flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, real property theft, real property fraud
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Health Care Committee Feb 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- But what I will say is we do have an any willing pharmacy law.
- So just to clarify for me, if I wanted XYZ pharmacy to do that, if XYZ pharmacy will meet your criteria
- I want to say that that has to be someone in the pharmacy chain of command, maybe FDA.
- to a pharmacy, full disclosure, if you... ...pharmacy and consumer being able to go to a pharmacy.
- consumer from going to any pharmacy they want.
Summary:
The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options.
Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process.
PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Drug and Pharmacy Benefit Managers Compliance.
- There are large areas of the state that simply don't have pharmacies present.
- of Pharmacy website.
- This is every retail pharmacy in the state. Now, Can I put this?
- When you say the word 'retail pharmacy,' generally people know what that means.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- nursing and the board of um of pharmacy nursing and the board of um of pharmacy members<00:26:11.279
- :27:24.240>
pharmacy <00:27:24.720>technicians. - Section seven is retained for the pharmacy technicians.
- Section seven is retained<00:30:23.840>
for <00:30:24.320>the <00:30:24.559>pharmacy - retained for the pharmacy technicians. retained for the pharmacy technicians.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, decoupling is the notion that we would split the medical and pharmacy benefits for our post
- In addition, for the PSC group, they didn't have a pharmacy plan before.
- In addition to those savings, the teachers got the pharmacy benefit as well.
- Got the pharmacy benefit as well. Since then, we know there's been some challenging renewals.
- They also give a preliminary look at what the Part D, the pharmacy-side benefits, will be.
Summary:
The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the rebid and possible decoupling of the state’s Medicare Advantage retiree coverage. He said the state is exploring splitting medical and pharmacy benefits for post-65 retirees, with UnitedHealthcare as the incumbent vendor, and that preliminary estimates suggested savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He outlined the expected timeline for final CMS rate announcements in April 2026, with contract amendments likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance.
Representatives from Segal Consulting then reviewed the history and current structure of the Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, explaining that the plan was adopted after a 2021 recommendation and launched in 2023 alongside the existing Med-Sup option. They said the Medicare Advantage option has produced substantial savings, including a lower monthly rate than the Med-Sup plan and about $40 million in savings from initial enrollment, while also restoring pharmacy benefits for some retirees. The presenters then explained recent federal changes under the Inflation Reduction Act, including major changes to Part D funding, the direct subsidy, and risk-score methodology, which they said have made risk adjustment much more important and are driving interest in separating medical and pharmacy contracts.
In response to questions from senators, the presenters said the Medicare Advantage plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools. They also explained that the new Part D structure has reduced out-of-pocket costs for members, with a $2,000 annual cap and lower average member spending to reach it, while shifting more cost to the plan. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the committee simply received the update and was told to expect further information after the April rate notice. The meeting adjourned with the committee scheduled to return on May 13.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation Education Committee Mar 5th, 2025
Finance and Taxation Education
Transcript Highlights:
- PIP board meeting yesterday, and the PIP director reported that our per member per month for our Pharmacy
- , just for the active non-Medicare Pharmacy, is... just the active non-Medicare Pharmacy is $96.
- If we spend $160, you're almost doubling the spend on Pharmacy.
- And so we very closely manage the pharmacy.
- Medicare side, but we have with the Pharmacy. Chair SM, I had two questions.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 14, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It also requires participating pharmacies to submit an annual Access to Care Plan to the Department and
- the Board of Pharmacy to ensure that patients have access to primary care services.
- Board of Pharmacy to ensure that patients have access to primary care services.
- The Board of Pharmacy is required to collaborate with the boards of medicine and osteopathic medicine
- The Board of Pharmacy received the first of three certification course applications in September.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met for an introductory and oversight briefing from the Florida Department of Health on implementation of several 2024 laws. The committee heard first from Jennifer Winhold on practitioner-regulation measures, including SB 1716 and SB 1600, which expanded workforce pathways through foreign-trained physician licensure, area-of-critical-need temporary certificates for APRNs and physician assistants, graduate assistant physician licenses, interstate compacts, and a new universal licensure-by-endorsement process. She also reviewed HB 197 on massage therapy enforcement, HB 975 on broader background screening, HB 1561 on office-surgery and liposuction safeguards, HB 159 on pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis certification, and HB 1063 on chiropractic dry needling and foreign degree licensure. Members asked about compact scope, foreign graduate requirements, massage enforcement overlap with DBPR, and registration thresholds for liposuction procedures.
Dr. Emma Spencer then outlined implementation of SB 76 and related programs, including changes to the FRAME and dental loan repayment programs, the volunteer health care provider program, the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Health Care Innovation Council and revolving loan program, and the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program. She said the department had updated portals, posted forms, launched or was developing public search tools, and submitted required reports and contracts. Members questioned whether loan repayment funds were reaching rural and underserved areas, how nonprofit applicants were being informed about the Alphonse screening grant program, the short application window for that grant, and how the department would evaluate whether the programs were improving recruitment and retention.
A third presentation, delivered by Mike Mason standing in for Shea Holloway, covered maternal and child health and other public health initiatives. He reported on the telehealth maternity care program’s expansion from a pilot in Duval and Orange counties to 23 counties, the pregnancy-and-parenting resources website required by HB 415, CMV newborn screening requirements under SB 168, sickle cell registry and research grants under HB 7085, and the swim lessons voucher program under SB 544, which received nearly 10,000 requests for 3,500 vouchers and enrolled 86 facilities. Members asked about utilization, marketing, website launch timing, and how the department was promoting these services. No bills were voted on; the meeting concluded with the chair noting that more committee presentations and bills would follow and that briefing materials would be distributed to members.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 5/7/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- all pharmacy claims for um process all pharmacy claims for um medical<00:27:10.240>
assistance - We agreed on pharmacy.
- We agreed on pharmacy.
- We help pharmacies, and that was also great because we have too many pharmacy deserts.
- We help pharmacies, and that was also great because we have too many pharmacy deserts.
Bills:
HF2435
AL
Bills:
SB191, HB84, HB79, SB132, HB108, HB109, HB110, HB114, HB118, HB120, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB128, HB129, HB131
Keywords:
postpartum depression, mental health, Medicaid, screening, education, maternal health, Chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, license renewal, continuing education, election procedures, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, SB132, Alabama, controlled substances, Schedule I
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/21/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that pharmacy-related topics are of interest to this committee.
- We've had discussions the past two sessions about ways to impact and assist community pharmacies and
- related um topics know that um Pharmacy related um topics are<01:15:24.639>
of <01:15:25.360>< - Common ailments than what hospital-based pharmacies or providers prescribe.
- And so we didn't move forward with the policy change in how we run our Medicaid pharmacy program.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee convened for its first meeting of the 2025 session, with Chair Melissa Wiklund outlining the new co-chair arrangement, rotating gavel, committee size of 12, and the seven-vote threshold needed to move bills and motions. Members and staff introduced themselves, including several new senators, committee administrators, counsel, fiscal staff, researchers, and new pages. The committee then began its agenda with an overview of the Minnesota Department of Health from Deputy Commissioner Wendy Underwood.
Underwood described MDH’s mission and structure, emphasizing public health’s focus on prevention, population health, and the social and economic factors that drive health outcomes. She highlighted the state’s health disparities, the department’s five bureaus, and major work areas including infectious disease response, newborn screening, environmental health, chronic disease prevention, health regulation, health equity, and operations. She also discussed the Center for Health Care Affordability, saying the department has been meeting with stakeholders and has hired a director to begin work on advisory bodies and community engagement around rising health care costs.
Members asked questions about physician shortages, burnout, administrative burden, and health care bureaucracy. Senator Grunhagen argued that excessive paperwork and micromanagement are worsening access and workforce shortages, while Senator Abeler asked for data on whether past disparity programs have been effective and whether some efforts should be consolidated. Underwood said MDH has rural health programs, workforce supports such as loan forgiveness, and research on administrative costs and low-value services, and she noted the department has published legislative reports with more data to come. The chair then moved the committee to a broader discussion of public health system development in Minnesota, introducing City of Bloomington officials to present on a recent report.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- On page eight, Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly regarding the State Board of Pharmacy.
- On page 13, Senate Bill of pharmacy.
- President, this bill is a sunset bill extending pharmacy for one year with modification on the board
- regarding the state board of pharmacy. regarding the state board of pharmacy.
- regarding the state board of pharmacy. regarding the state board of pharmacy.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved excusing absent members, dispensed with the previous day’s journal, and allowed bill introductions and committee reports throughout the day. Members also recognized guests in the gallery, including Judge Smitherman and later Karen Butler, wife of Senator Tom Butler. The chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated on its Founders Day and 118 years of service, after reading the resolution at length and hearing brief remarks from Senator Figures.
The Senate then adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar and took up several bills. Senate Bill 12 by Senator Gudger, repealing a prior community development districts law tied to a Coleman County project, passed. Senate Bill 19 by Senator Livingston, dealing with health insurance/prostate cancer screening, also passed. Senate Bill 89 by Senator Sessions, repealing the 1931 State Pilotage Commission statute, passed; Senate Bill 134 by Senator Beasley, concerning taxation and interstate warehousing of tobacco products, passed after a committee amendment was adopted; Senate Bill 100 by Senator Kelly, extending the State Board of Pharmacy sunset for one year with appointment changes, passed; Senate Bill 114 by Senator Bell, expanding Alabama’s handling of out-of-state warrants to additional felonies, passed; Senate Bill 122 by Senator Stewart, regarding the State Board of Registration for Foresters, passed; Senate Bill 35 by Senator Kitchens, updating vessel registration language for Coast Guard compliance, passed; and Senate Bill 127 by Senators Coleman-Madison and Stewart, continuing the Board of Examiners in Counseling for four years, passed.
Senate Bill 28 by Senator Elliott, which would raise the earnings cap for retired law enforcement officers and district attorneys returning to work and address school bus driver staffing, was discussed at length but carried over at the sponsor’s request. Senators raised concerns about the bill’s impact on RSA/retirement system funding and the possibility of broader pressure for similar retiree reemployment arrangements, while supporters emphasized staffing shortages, training savings, and benefits for schools and public safety. The session concluded with the calendar completed and a new resolution introduced by Senator Orr recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, which was taken up for immediate consideration and adopted.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- PCMA is the national trade association that represents pharmacy benefit managers.
- to, at a minimum, inform the patient of alternate pharmacy locations.
- Barney Bishop, Small Business Pharmacies. Small Business Pharmacies.
- We've lost 1,600 pharmacies in the past year.
- Not all of them are community, neighborhood pharmacies like I represent.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities and pharmacies
- language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities and pharmacies
- language requiring drug manufacturers to make 340B drug pricing available to covered entities and pharmacies
discount <00:15:18.560>at <00:15:18.800>the <00:15:19.040>time and pharmacies- at a discount at the time and pharmacies at a discount at the time of<00:15:19.519>
purchase <
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Reverend Kemp Randolph, who reflected on the idea that simpler solutions often require letting go of existing assumptions and urged lawmakers to consider what they may need to give up to achieve the greatest good. After the prayer, the chamber introduced House Bill 889, exempting disability-related income on candidate disclosure forms, and House Bill 890, aimed at reducing barriers for nonprofit religious organizations providing preventive health care services. Both bills were read the first time and referred to committee. The House also referred three bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: H.548 to Appropriations, and H.557 and H.567 to Ways and Means.
Members then offered several announcements, including welcoming the guest pastor Kemp Randolph and visiting European Parliament member Maria Walsh, along with her mother and aunt. There were also notices about caucus meetings and a correction to a prior vote explanation regarding H.70. The House then took up H.611, a technical and housekeeping bill affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access. Committee testimony and floor remarks described provisions to reduce administrative burdens, update advisory committee membership, remove outdated references tied to the individual/small group market split, adjust the VARMM prescription drug assistance program, increase the allowable amount in Medicaid-related prepaid funeral arrangements, and delay Medicaid coverage for doula services by one year while federal approval is sought. The Health Care and Appropriations committees both recommended the bill, with Appropriations noting no fiscal impact and correcting a prior vote tally.
The House adopted the Health Care Committee amendment to H.611 and ordered the bill to third reading. It then passed H.540, relating to recommendations of the post-adjudication reparative program working group. Finally, the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with further amendment on H.50, concerning identification of underutilized state buildings and land; the committee explained changes restoring annual reporting, removing leased buildings from the inventory, and directing annual reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development through 2030. The chamber concluded with announcements about a Joint Fiscal Committee meeting on a rural health transformation grant and then adjourned until February 10, 2026.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The report will include participation by residents and pharmacies, prescription drug savings achieved
- , and the program's impact on the viability of Vermont's pharmacies.
- ,<00:33:01.360>
prescription <00:33:01.920>drug <00:33:02.240>savings pharmacies - the viability of Vermont's pharmacies. the viability of Vermont's pharmacies.
- it relates to pharmacies it relates to pharmacies with<00:37:54.520>
which <00:37:54.920><
Summary:
The House opened with routine proceedings, including a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, then referred three bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: S.197 to Ways and Means, and S.193 and S.278 to Appropriations. The chamber also read and celebrated HCR 304, honoring the display of Julian Scott’s Civil War painting, The Fourth Vermont Forming Under Fire, in the State House and recognizing the people who helped locate and acquire it for Vermont. HCR 303 was also read, extending best wishes for a speedy recovery to Rep. Ann Donahue; members then offered warm remarks welcoming her back to the chamber. Several members introduced guests in the gallery, and caucus announcements were made before the body moved to the calendar.
On transportation, the House took up H.944, the fiscal year 2027 transportation program. The House Transportation Committee reported major differences with the Senate version and, by straw poll, recommended a committee of conference. The House refused to concur in the Senate amendment, appointed conferees, and suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then considered S.214, which would allow the NEK Choice School District to pay tuition for pre-K students to nearby New Hampshire public-school programs, with administration by Essex North Supervisory Union and possible waivers from state agencies. Education, Ways and Means, and Appropriations all recommended concurrence, citing limited fiscal impact and improved access for children in Essex County; the bill was read a third time and ordered to third reading after debate that included support for rural access and concerns about relying on out-of-state capacity.
The House also concurred in Senate amendments to H.171, adding “the role of victim advocates” to officer-involved shooting investigation protocols, and to H.577, the Vermont prescription drug discount card program, which added annual reporting requirements and a terminology fix. The House likewise concurred in Senate amendments to H.588, the annual Office of Professional Regulation bill, including changes on rescission authority, substance-use treatment alternatives, CPA language, pharmacy technician authority, fee placement, and background checks. It then concurred in Senate amendments to H.611, a DVHA housekeeping bill, including 340B protections, a one-year delay for the community-based doula certification program, and codification of current HIV-prevention coverage practice. H.921 was postponed for two legislative days. Finally, the House took up S.227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools, with the member from Williston describing it as a school safety measure that limits collection and sharing of immigration-status information, provides trusted resources to families, and requires a judicial warrant before law enforcement enters non-public school areas for immigration matters.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 18th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, for the PSC group, they didn't have a pharmacy plan before.
- And so the Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan allowed them to reinstate that pharmacy benefit.
- So in addition to those savings, the teachers got the pharmacy benefit as well.
- Got the pharmacy benefit as well. And since then, we know there's been some challenging renewals.
- And then they kind of give a preliminary look at what the Part D, the pharmacy side benefits, will be
Summary:
The committee received an update from Grant Wallace on the state employee Medicare Advantage group plan and the ongoing rebid with UnitedHealthcare. Wallace said the agency is exploring “decoupling” the medical and pharmacy portions of the plan, and that preliminary estimates suggested potential savings of about $100 to $200 per participant per month. He said the final CMS rate-setting process would conclude in April, with a revised contract amendment likely to come before the committee in May or June after review by the EBD Advisory Commission and State Board of Finance. He also clarified that the plan covers post-65 teacher and state employee retirees, including retirees from state agencies and K-12 public schools.
Representatives from Segal Consulting then gave a broader presentation on Medicare Advantage and Part D market trends, reviewing Arkansas’s prior decision to adopt a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan and the savings generated since the 2023 RFP. They explained that the Inflation Reduction Act significantly changed Part D financing by shifting more federal support into a direct subsidy tied to risk scores, which makes accurate risk adjustment more important and creates a larger difference between Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans and standalone Part D plans. They said this has led to a growing divergence in funding, especially for standalone Part D, and is the main reason decoupling medical and pharmacy coverage is being considered.
Committee members asked about how the risk-score changes affect costs and members. Segal said the new structure has reduced member out-of-pocket costs, with the annual cap now at $2,000 and many members reaching it after roughly $600 to $800 in spending, but that the plan absorbs more of the cost. They also said the market appears to be adjusting through annual bids, and that a decoupled structure could allow the state to capture more favorable funding on the Part D side. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after being told to expect further information once the April rate notice and renewal proposal are available.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/26/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- for pharmacy licenses and registrations.
- That's the practice of pharmacy, so it references... ...these are included in the practice of pharmacy
- ,<01:02:43.840>
um practice of pharmacy, um practice of pharmacy, um including<01:02:45.600 - practice of pharmacy. practice of pharmacy.
- included in the practice of pharmacy. included in the practice of pharmacy.