Bill

A 6546

Prohibits the ownership, operation or control of pharmacies by pharmacy benefit managers

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Billy Jones and 2 co-sponsors

Bans PBMs from owning, operating, or controlling any pharmacy in New York to prevent vertical integration.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 6546

Bill Summary: Assembly Bill A 6546

Overview

A 6546 would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning, operating, or exercising control over pharmacies. The bill is currently in the New York State Assembly and has been referred to the Higher Education committee.

What the bill would do

Prohibit PBMs from direct ownership, operation, or control of any pharmacy within the state.
Establish a governance framework to ensure PBMs cannot exert influence over pharmacy ownership structures.
(Text not provided) The bill would define key terms such as “pharmacy benefit manager,” “ownership,” “operation,” and “control,” and would specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and any grandfathering provisions if applicable.

Who is affected

Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Would be barred from owning or controlling pharmacies, impacting any existing or planned vertical integration.
Pharmacies: Could need to restructure ownership or relationships with PBMs to comply with the prohibition.
Patients/Plans: Potential indirect effects on drug pricing, formulary management, and access to pharmacies, depending on how the prohibition changes market dynamics and negotiation between PBMs and pharmacies.
Industry stakeholders: Independent pharmacies, chains, insurers, and employers may experience shifts in contracting and network design.

Key provisions and changes (based on bill title and status)

Core prohibition: Ownership, operation, or control of pharmacies by PBMs would be banned.
Scope: Applies to PBMs operating within the state; details on scope (e.g., individuals vs. corporate entities, thresholds) would be defined in the bill text.
Compliance and enforcement: Likely to include rules for remedial actions and penalties for noncompliance, as determined by the full text.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: March 6, 2025.
Status: Referred to Higher Education (two identical legislative action entries on the same date).
Next steps: In committee, the bill could be amended, advanced to the floor for a vote, or stalled. If approved, it would proceed to the Senate and then to conference committees or floor votes as applicable in the state legislative process.

Notes

The summary reflects information available from the bill’s title, sponsor list, and referral status. Full provisions, definitions, and enforcement details will be in the bill’s text. If you’d like, I can update this summary with exact language and schedule once the full bill text is released.

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