Kansas Legislature passes PBM bill to protect pharmacies, patients

SOURCE_URL::https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/kansas-legislature-passes-pbm-bill-to-protect-pharmacies-patients/||SOURCE_NAME::Becker’s Hospital Review (“Governor” OR “Lieutenant Governor” OR “Attorney General” OR “Secretary of State” OR “State Treasurer” OR “State Auditor” OR “State Comptroller” OR “Comptroller” OR “Controller” OR “Commissioner of Ag)

Kansas — The Kansas Legislature has approved sweeping regulations targeting pharmacy benefit managers with the passage of the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act.

The bill establishes a comprehensive framework governing PBM practices, including bans on spread pricing and point-of-sale fees, requirements to pass rebates through to health plans and minimum reimbursement rates for pharmacies tied to the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost reference, plus a $10.50 per prescription dispensing fee to be paid by PBMs to pharmacies to cover their costs. The provisions were outlined in a March 24 news release from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt.

The bill passed the Senate and the House by wide margins, and heads to the governor’s desk. It also grants the Department of Insurance expanded oversight authority, including the ability to conduct financial and market conduct examinations, register auditing entities and enforce transparency through reporting requirements and penalties.

Ms. Schmidt, whose office developed the legislation, described the measure as a “monumental reform,” claiming it will curb PBM practices and strengthen protections for patients, local pharmacies and rural communities.

“No longer will Kansas let PBMs threaten the pocketbooks of patients,” she said in the March 24 release.

Why it matters: This legislation represents a significant step towards enhancing patient protections and ensuring fair practices within the pharmacy benefit management industry. By regulating PBMs, Kansas aims to improve access to affordable medications for its residents.

What to watch:

• Monitor the governor’s decision on signing the bill into law.
• Watch for any pushback from pharmacy benefit managers regarding the new regulations.
• Keep an eye on the implementation timeline and its impact on local pharmacies.

Source credibility: Becker’s Hospital Review is a reliable source known for its focus on healthcare news and analysis, providing in-depth coverage of industry developments.

Published: March 26, 2026 3:26 PM

Source: Becker’s Hospital Review — https://go.noligarchy.us/wKFl6y