Lawmakers are turning up the heat on pharmacy benefit managers, with more than 1,500 bills introduced this year targeting drug costs, utilization rules and pharmacy networks. In the latest episode of Podnosis, Wes Hill, senior director at RxBenefits, said rising drug prices and pressure from constituents are driving the surge. While federal movement has been limited, states are advancing legislation at a rapid pace, creating new compliance challenges for PBMs and plan sponsors.

Hill said employers—who shoulder much of the cost of pharmacy benefits—need to make their voices heard. By tracking legislation, assessing its impact and working with advisors, they can help shape reforms and protect their health plans. To hear more about the legal battles and what’s ahead for PBMs, listen to the full Podnosis episode.

Lawmakers are turning up the heat on pharmacy benefit managers, with more than 1,500 bills introduced this year targeting drug costs, utilization rules and pharmacy networks. In the latest episode of Podnosis, Wes Hill, senior director at RxBenefits, said rising drug prices and pressure from constituents are driving the surge. While federal movement has been limited, states are advancing legislation at a rapid pace, creating new compliance challenges for PBMs and plan sponsors.
Hill said employers&mdash;who shoulder much of the cost of pharmacy benefits&mdash;need to make their voices heard. By tracking legislation, assessing its impact and working with advisors, they can help shape reforms and protect their health plans. To hear more about the legal battles and what&rsquo;s ahead for PBMs, listen to the full Podnosis episode.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

Podnosis

Podnosis: the pulse of the healthcare industry. Every week, journalists from Fierce Healthcare dive into some of the industry’s biggest trends. We talk to the experts about what’s important now so you can prep for the future. Hear about all things healthcare, from physician practices to hospital chains and insurance giants—and those that mix all three—plus the tech they use, disruptors looking to compete and people moving the sector forward. Follow Podnosis on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon or wherever you get your podcasts.

RxBenefits’ Wes Hill outlines risks and opportunities in latest Podnosis episode.

Advertisement