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Bill

HB 372

Department of Insurance; Pharmacy Benefits Manager Division; two exempt personnel positions authorized

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phillip Rigsby

Alabama authorizes two exempt positions in a new Pharmacy Benefits Manager Division to regulate drug pricing intermediaries and improve prescription drug transparency.

Enacted
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Bill Summary · HB 372

Legislative bill overview

HB 372 authorizes the Alabama Department of Insurance to create two new exempt personnel positions within a newly established Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) Division. The bill enables the department to hire staff to oversee and regulate pharmacy benefits managers operating in the state.

Why is this important

Pharmacy benefits managers control drug pricing and formulary decisions that directly affect medication costs and access for Alabama residents. Creating dedicated regulatory oversight could improve transparency in prescription drug pricing, though it requires state resources and depends on how aggressively the division enforces its authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope and enforcement authority: The bill doesn't specify what powers the new division will have to regulate PBMs, leaving questions about whether it can actually influence pricing or merely monitor activities
  • Cost and resource allocation: Two new exempt positions represent taxpayer expense during a period when state budgets face competing priorities; unclear if this addresses the root problem or creates bureaucratic overhead
  • Industry resistance: PBMs may oppose new state-level regulation as burdensome, while consumer advocates might argue the positions and division lack sufficient authority to create meaningful change in drug pricing practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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