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Bill

HB 938

INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to pharmacy benefit managers (RE +$3,187,173 SG EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 17 co-sponsors

HB 938 regulates Louisiana pharmacy benefit managers with new requirements, increasing state spending by $15.5 million and potentially affecting drug pricing and insurance costs.

Read by title. Recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
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Bill Summary · HB 938

Legislative bill overview

HB 938 modifies Louisiana's regulations governing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are intermediaries that manage prescription drug benefits for insurers and employers. The bill includes provisions affecting how PBMs operate, potentially including transparency requirements, fee structures, or formulary management practices. The fiscal note indicates a significant state expenditure of approximately $15.5 million.

Why is this important

PBMs significantly influence drug pricing and patient access to medications, affecting both individual consumers and state healthcare budgets. Changes to PBM regulations can impact prescription costs, insurance premiums, and medication availability for Louisiana residents. The substantial fiscal impact suggests the bill either increases oversight costs, changes reimbursement structures, or creates new regulatory obligations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications for insurers/employers: Stricter PBM regulations may increase administrative costs, potentially raising insurance premiums for consumers and employers
  • Transparency vs. competitive concerns: Greater disclosure requirements could reveal proprietary business practices that PBMs argue are necessary for competitive advantage
  • Pharmacy accessibility: Regulations affecting PBM formularies or payment models could either improve or restrict patient access to certain medications depending on implementation

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

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