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Bill

SB 93

Pharmacy Benefits Managers; providing additional regulation of practices

2025 Regular Session

Alabama proposes additional regulatory restrictions on pharmacy benefits managers' practices to address concerns about drug pricing and market power, pending committee review.

Read for the first time and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance
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Bill Summary · SB 93

Legislative bill overview

SB 93 seeks to impose additional regulatory requirements on pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs)—intermediaries that manage prescription drug benefits for insurance plans. The bill aims to restrict certain PBM practices that are viewed as problematic, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. This represents Alabama's effort to address growing national concerns about PBM market power and practices.

Why is this important

PBMs significantly influence drug pricing, patient access, and pharmacy profitability. Regulatory changes can affect medication costs for consumers, insurance premiums, and the viability of independent pharmacies. The increased scrutiny of PBMs reflects bipartisan concern that these entities sometimes engage in practices that increase costs without improving patient outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry resistance: PBMs may argue that regulations increase administrative costs, potentially raising insurance premiums or reducing service offerings
  • Scope ambiguity: Without detailed provisions, stakeholders disagree on which specific practices should be regulated (spread pricing, mail-order mandates, formulary restrictions, etc.)
  • Federalism questions: Critics may argue PBM regulation is primarily a federal matter, while supporters contend states must protect their citizens from practices that harm patients and local pharmacies

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

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