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SCR 70

REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ESTABLISH AND CONVENE A PHARMACY REIMBURSEMENT WORKING GROUP TO EXPLORE AND PROPOSE LEGISLATION FOR THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joy San Buenaventura

Hawaii orders Commerce Director to convene a pharmacy reimbursement working group to develop legislative proposals addressing medication cost and access issues by 2026.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 767).
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Bill Summary · SCR 70

Legislative bill overview

SCR 70 is a resolution requesting Hawaii's Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish a working group focused on pharmacy reimbursement issues. The working group would explore current reimbursement practices and propose legislation for consideration in the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

Pharmacy reimbursement rates directly affect medication accessibility and affordability for Hawaii residents, as well as the viability of independent and chain pharmacies operating in the state. This working group could lead to legislative reforms addressing disputes between insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and pharmacies over reimbursement adequacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Stakeholder representation: Unclear whether insurers, PBMs, independent pharmacies, and chain pharmacies will all have equitable voice in the working group, potentially skewing recommendations
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The resolution requests exploration and proposals but contains no enforcement or timeline guarantees, risking the working group becoming purely advisory without actionable outcomes
  • Scope limitations: The bill doesn't specify whether the group will address cost-shifting to consumers, transparency in reimbursement formulas, or access disparities in rural areas—critical pharmacy policy issues

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

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