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Bill

Bill

HB 1012

Prescription Drug Benefit Information Transparency

2025 First Extraordinary Session

Colorado bill requiring health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to disclose prescription drug costs and coverage details to consumers before purchase to improve transparency.

Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1012

Legislative bill overview

HB 1012 would require health insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to provide transparent information to consumers about prescription drug costs, coverage limitations, and formulary details before they incur expenses. The bill aims to give patients better visibility into their out-of-pocket costs and coverage terms at the point of prescribing.

Why is this important

Prescription drug costs are a major healthcare expense for Colorado residents, and lack of price transparency often leaves patients surprised by unexpected costs at the pharmacy. Better upfront information enables consumers to make informed decisions about their medications, compare treatment options, and potentially negotiate better pricing or seek alternatives—ultimately reducing financial hardship and improving medication adherence.

Potential points of contention

  • PBM industry opposition: Pharmacy benefit managers may resist disclosure requirements, arguing they increase administrative burden and could reveal proprietary pricing strategies that affect their competitive positioning.
  • Insurance company concerns: Health plans might claim transparency mandates increase compliance costs that could be passed to consumers through higher premiums.
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's specific requirements for "transparency" and which parties must disclose information could create implementation challenges and differing interpretations across insurers and PBMs.

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

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