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Bill

Bill

LC 2354

Revise laws relating to pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, and other entities

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill LC 2354 revises pharmacy and pharmacy benefit manager regulations to reform drug pricing, reimbursement, and market practices affecting medication access and costs.

(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
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Bill Summary · LC 2354

Legislative bill overview

LC 2354 is a Montana bill currently in the drafting phase that revises statutory frameworks governing pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and related entities. The bill appears designed to modernize or reform regulations affecting how these entities operate, interact, and serve consumers in Montana's pharmaceutical marketplace.

Why is this important

Pharmacy benefit managers have become central intermediaries in drug pricing and distribution, often creating tensions between pharmacies, insurers, and consumers over costs and access. Changes to these regulations can directly affect medication prices, pharmacy profitability, insurance premiums, and patient access to medications across Montana—making this substantive for both healthcare providers and consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • PBM transparency and pricing power: Reforms may attempt to increase transparency in how PBMs set drug prices and formularies, which insurers and PBMs may resist as limiting business flexibility
  • Pharmacy reimbursement rates: The bill could address minimum reimbursement standards for independent pharmacies, potentially increasing costs for insurers and PBMs while benefiting local pharmacy operations
  • Regulatory scope and enforcement: Defining authority between state regulators, the pharmacy board, and insurance commissioners over PBM practices could create jurisdictional disputes

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

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