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Bill

Bill

SB 583

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COST LISTS RELATING TO PHARMACY SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremiah Moore and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas law amended to modify how pharmacy reimbursement price lists are set and disputed, affecting drug cost negotiations between pharmacies and insurers.

Notification that SB583 is now Act 990
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Bill Summary · SB 583

Legislative bill overview

SB 583 amends Arkansas pharmacy law regarding Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) lists—pricing benchmarks that insurers and pharmacy benefit managers use to reimburse pharmacists for medications. The bill modifies how these lists are established, updated, and challenged, affecting the financial relationship between pharmacies and payers.

Why is this important

MAC lists directly determine how much pharmacies are reimbursed for drugs, impacting both medication accessibility and pharmacy profitability. When MAC prices are set too low relative to acquisition costs, pharmacies may struggle financially or reduce services; when set appropriately, they help control drug costs for consumers and insurers. This legislation affects pricing transparency and dispute resolution in a $400+ billion industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Pharmacy vs. Payer Balance: Pharmacies may argue MAC lists are set unreasonably low, while payers contend they need cost-control mechanisms
  • Transparency Requirements: Depending on amendments, the bill may impose new data disclosure obligations that payers view as burdensome or competitive concerns
  • Appeal Process: Changes to how pharmacies can challenge MAC pricing may shift leverage between independent pharmacies and large pharmacy chains with more resources

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

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