Video & Transcript Research : 'PBM'
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MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- cost with PBM reform. cost with PBM reform.
- we need PBM reform. we need PBM reform.
- That's PBM reform.
- This is PBM reform. it in there. This is PBM reform.
- That's PBM reform. areas. That's PBM reform.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1622, a strike-all amendment to create a pilot program for certain small-community hospitals to receive limited certificate-of-need exemptions. The bill would allow qualifying hospitals to open a geriatric psychiatric unit without a CON, permit each hospital one additional CON exemption for a service otherwise requiring one, cap dialysis-unit exemptions at eight hospitals, continue existing moratoriums with periodic Department of Health review, allow facilities in Issaquena or Humphreys Counties under limited conditions, and add a loser-pays rule for unsuccessful CON court challenges. Technical corrections were made, the strike-all amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported do pass as amended by voice vote. The committee then moved to House Bill 942, where Senator McMahan offered an amendment to allow a Lee County chiropractor to advertise as a neurologic chiropractor and list related credentials. Members questioned whether chiropractic neurology is recognized in Mississippi and raised concerns about the practitioner’s prior discipline by the board, but the chair ruled the amendment germane. The amendment failed on voice vote, and the bill itself then passed and was reported to the floor.
The committee next considered House Bill 1034, but no amendment was offered. It then took House Bill 479 off the table. That bill extends the temporary licensing period for psychology and marriage-and-family-therapy boards from 30 to 60 days to allow more time for criminal background checks. Senator Blackwell offered a clarifying amendment to make clear that temporary licenses must be revoked if required background checks or other licensure requirements are insufficient, and that the temporary license does not replace the underlying education, training, and examination requirements. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported do pass as amended.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1067, the Rural Health Transformation Program. Senator Hickman explained that the bill would require procurement procedures and reporting for the state’s rural health transformation funds, prioritize projects tied to the original application, and direct funds toward rural and underserved areas such as health professional shortage areas, low-income counties, and places without hospitals. Senators questioned whether the added state rules would layer on top of existing federal requirements and whether the bill could slow distribution or invite litigation, but supporters said it was meant to add transparency and guardrails rather than change the federal program. The bill was discussed at length, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 1067.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/08/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Pharmacy Reimbursement and PBM Pharmacy Reimbursement and PBM Transparency<01:16:07.880>
Act. - It reins in the predatory practices of PBMs.
- It reins in the predatory practices of PBMs.
- Senate between the PBM and the pharmacy.
- where you have to be a national PBM where you have to be a national PBM chain<01:48:09.640>
something
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1236, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, PBMs,” “Senate Bill 1236, Pharmacy Benefit Managers, PBMs
- by allowing refills only to be filled by PBM-owned mail-order pharmacies.
- There are some great PBM laws already on the books.
- The amount paid by the PBM for the actual medication was over $2,800.
- I remember what the spend was supposed to be on PBMs.
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 883, which would protect physicians’ ability to prescribe off-label medications and treatments, framed by the author as a “Right to Treat” measure tied to COVID-19 care. Supporters, including physicians and patient-choice advocates, said the bill would safeguard the doctor-patient relationship and prevent interference by boards, pharmacies, or hospitals. Several witnesses described using hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, budesonide, antibiotics, steroids, and monoclonal antibodies during the pandemic, and said they faced complaints, board scrutiny, or pharmacy refusals for those prescriptions. The bill was left pending after public testimony closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 331, which would extend hospital price-transparency requirements to additional health care facilities such as freestanding ERs, urgent care and retail clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and birthing centers. Proponents argued that broader disclosure of prices for shoppable services would help consumers compare costs and reduce surprise billing, while opponents from ambulatory surgery centers said the bill would impose costly compliance burdens on small providers and that insurers or the state already have much of the needed data. The bill was also left pending.
Senate Bill 2422 would expunge Texas Medical Board records and impose reparations for disciplinary actions tied to COVID-era treatment decisions, including references to ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, budesonide, and masks. The author and supporters argued that doctors were unfairly targeted for trying to save patients and should be made whole; the Texas Medical Board representative said most pandemic complaints were dismissed, that actions generally involved broader issues such as privileges, documentation, or informed consent, and that no physician was disciplined solely for prescribing off-label COVID medications. The bill was left pending.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2207, which would loosen Texas Medical Board rules on physicians advertising themselves as board certified, especially by reducing barriers tied to maintenance of certification requirements. Supporters said the current rule is overly restrictive, inconsistent, and costly, and that it drives physicians out of practice; they also said Texas is one of only a few states with such a rule. Witnesses described hospitals using the rule against physicians and said the change would improve transparency and competition. The bill remained pending after testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 22nd, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We would actually recommend that you unbundle PBM services.
- The whole concept is to completely unbundle what PBMs do.
- Or is there something we could do with the PBMs?
- So on slide 11, you mentioned PBM alternatives, but in other states, those PBM alternatives have just
- And then, a recommendation to enhance PBM oversight.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1236 addresses Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
- PBMs and the pharmacy would have to agree to the modifications.
- by allowing refills. only to be filled by PBM-owned mail-order pharmacies.
- Law better enforcement of existing PBM laws already on the books.
- I remember what the spending was supposed to be on PBMs.
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/21/2026)
Health and Human Services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/11/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- use formularies because of and the pbms use formularies because of the<00:26:49.320>
high <00: - prohibiting p pbms and insurers from<00:27:20.799>
changing <00:27:21.240>formularies < - <00:46:06.040>
take <00:46:06.280>home the manufacturers and the pbms take home the - They benefit the PBMs, and that's why PBMs take home billions of dollars in profits.
- <00:59:00.880>
take <00:59:01.119>home the pbms and that's why pbms take home the pbms
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 41 Apr 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Of targeting PBMs, not patients. Ask for your support. Neel, for questions.
- If they want to have it covered by the PBMs, then they can have it covered by the PBMs.
- The issue right now is that a lot of these pharmacists and a lot of these PBMs have negotiated deals
- It has become something that's being controlled by the PBMs, whether you're a part of a PBM or not.
- Yes, by the PBMs who have restricted that ability. Members, the queue is now closed.
Bills:
HR1051, HR1048, SB2074, SJR39, SJR47, SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555
Keywords:
livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- or really a PBM that drug spend management model.
- as a PBM.
- The Kentucky model switched to a transparent model with a single PBM.
- Benefit, but then we're having one PBM to do it for the state.
- The PBM is essentially paying like the PBMs are today for the 340B covered entities, whereas the fee-for-service
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/15/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- PBMs is a system that is in place.
- can answer that question but the pbms can answer that question obviously<01:17:52.679>
pbms <01 - my neighbors prescription are pbms my neighbors prescription are pbms collecting<01:28:36.840>
- <01:28:44.480>
get if it's a $500 coupon does the PBM get if it's a $500 coupon does the PBM- <01:34:35.840>
will it comes to a formulary yes pbms will it comes to a formulary yes pbms - <01:28:44.480>
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we are looking at a bill that deals with PBMs.
- Fast forward 30 years, PBMs now own the insurance companies.
- Fast forward 30 years, PBMs now own the insurance companies.
- transparency, or changing the way PBMs are compensated.
- It is an economic incentive for PBMs and healthcare plans to increase their own profits.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/House Bill 981, which would restore the Ocklawaha River and related natural resources. Supporters, including environmental groups, Save the Manatee Club, business owners, and Reunite the Rivers advocates, argued the bill would improve manatee habitat, fish passage, flood protection, tourism, and long-term economic returns while reducing dam maintenance costs. Opponents and skeptics focused on concerns about water quality, nutrient loading in the St. Johns River, loss of the Rodman Reservoir’s habitat and water-supply value, and potential ecological and economic harms. Members in debate largely supported the restoration effort, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote.
The committee then heard HB 697, the PRICE Act, which would use international reference pricing to set a drug cost benchmark, address pharmacy benefit manager practices, and require health plans to keep drug prices stable for the year. The sponsor said the bill would lower costs and improve access, especially for uninsured Floridians. Supporters, including independent pharmacists, argued PBMs are squeezing pharmacies and that the bill could help lower prices. Opponents from BioFlorida and PhRMA warned the proposal could disrupt the national drug supply chain, fail to pass savings to patients, and lead to shortages, reduced access, and less innovation. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with Rep. Chambliss voting no.
The committee also considered CS/HB 1081, which was amended to include private colleges and universities with NCA designation in the program. After brief discussion and support from United Way Miami, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, CS/HB 177 was introduced as a framework for Florida’s regional councils to cross-assign bills among regions; it received supportive testimony and was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They are worse yet, PBMs, hang on, I got off a little bit.
- Second part of this is a critical need to curb abusive PBM audit practices.
- The PBM paid the pharmacy $2,802.40 for the prescription.
- However, during the audit, the PBM found a simple clerical error.
- However, the PBM uses small clerical error to claw back that full amount.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also has a subsection directing PBMs to include provider manuals in the.
- The second part of this is a critical need to curb abusive PBM audit practices.
- Those are still audited, and then the PBM wants the full amount back.
- However, the PBM uses small clerical errors to claw back that full amount.
- So, is this, like, basically creating a state PBM, in essence?
Keywords:
prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Apr 9th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We get into the PBMs. When we get into the PBMs, I will read those off as well.
- That would be the PBM requirements.
- Number six, disclose if they have ownership in a PBM.
- Number seven, if a health insurer has an ownership interest in a PBM, disclose how much revenue the PBM
- So I think if you bring in the other players like the PBMs, the payers, and the other stakeholders, I
Summary:
The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote.
The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program.
Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 10 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- not create a PBM bill this year. not create a PBM bill this year.
- opposite state PBM regulation. opposite state PBM regulation.
- it get to regulate the PBMs. it get to regulate the PBMs.
- with the three largest PBMs. with the three largest PBMs.
- We're not fighting over PBM reform anymore because we have a PBM reform bill.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate.
On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies.
The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services #2
Transcript Highlights:
- What this bill does is, first of all, if a pharmacy is not owned or operated by a PBM, then the PBM cannot
- PBMs determine what drugs a patient can access, which pharmacies they may use, what PBMs determine what
- As you can expect, there are a lot more representation from the PBMs.
- margin of that PBM.
- Due to the behaviors of the PBMs, this is not the case.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote.
The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote.
House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1.
Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This initiative would require PBMs to report data to gain... Understanding of costs.
- However, what we don't have are the specifics about the PBMs themselves.
- That licensing requirement would include the requirement for PBMs to submit data to HCAI.
- The current PBM registration requirement would sunset, and PBMs would be required to obtain a license
- It would give us the authority to audit licensed PBMs to ensure compliance with the law.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/14/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- managers, PBMs. managers, PBMs.
- Aziz as his PBM guru. Margaret is my PBM guru.
- We do not own our own PBM. Some of the other carriers own their own PBMs.
- the the people that hire the PBMs. the the people that hire the PBMs.
- It wasn't just PBMs. It the middlemen. It wasn't just PBMs.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25 - Part 1
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- medical assistance single PBM medical assistance single PBM prescription<01:03:15.520>
drug using a managed care model and PBMs using a managed care model and PBMs uh<01:10:03.120>- This bill addresses the RFP PBMs.
to <01:20:07.040>I PBMs. There's no question about that. I PBMs. - <01:20:44.000>
I one uh PBM to do it for the state. I one uh PBM to do it for the state.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 16th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, brief tutorial: what exactly is a pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM?
- PBMs now own insurance companies, or the insurance companies own the PBMs.
- On page 3, lines 14 through 17, it establishes the licensing fees for PBMs.
- Rebate aggregators are often owned by the PBM or affiliated with the PBM.
- Recently, PBMs have started to offer silent agreement contracts.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge, a quorum call, and approval of journal corrections. It then handled several House messages, appointing conference committees on Senate Bills 2004 and 2006 and House Bills 1018, 1019, and 1363, and re-referring House Bill 1216 to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bill 1601, which would have expanded special assistant attorney general authority for certain offices, but the bill failed on final passage after strong opposition centered on preserving the Attorney General’s control and avoiding a solution in search of a problem.
A major portion of the day focused on education funding. House Bill 1369 was amended to raise per-pupil aid from 2% and 2% to 3% and 3% and to increase the school construction loan transfer from $75 million to $100 million; supporters said this would help local schools and military base projects, while opponents raised questions about special education placement language and state coordination. The bill passed 44-3. House Bill 1013, the DPI budget, was also amended extensively to adjust staffing, funding sources, grants, meal assistance, teacher training, and other education programs; it passed 45-2. House Bill 2234, dealing with Choice Ready grants, was amended to shift funding away from general funds and toward federal or other sources, but then failed on final passage after the sponsor urged a red vote.
The Senate also approved House Bill 1482, restricting bond and indebtedness elections for counties, cities, school districts, and park districts to primary or general election days, and House Bill 1332, creating a value-added agriculture facility incentive program with an emergency clause. House Bill 1010, the Insurance Department budget, passed unanimously after amendments reflecting the merger of the Securities Department into Insurance and adding staff and fee changes, while House Bill 1011, the separate Securities Department budget, failed because its funding was already included in HB 1010. House Bill 1584, a major pharmacy benefit manager reform bill, passed with an enforcement fund and new licensing/enforcement structure despite debate over ERISA and market transparency.
In other action, the Senate concurred in House amendments and passed Senate Bills 2226, 2230, 2069, 2082, 2387, 2385, and 2186, with SB 2186 on parenting time interference and a child custody task force passing 27-20 after debate over whether the issue should be left to the courts. Senate Bill 2234, on Choice Ready grants, and Senate Bill 2243, on driver’s license points and traffic penalties, both failed after concurrence motions were adopted but final passage votes were overwhelmingly negative. The chamber also advanced Senate Bill 2291 to conference committee consideration near the end of the transcript.