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Zay: Pharmacy benefit management bill passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 24, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) that would protect pharmacies and people who are prescribed drugs passed the Indiana Senate Tuesday, Feb. 23 by a vote of 45-3.

Senate Bill 143 would add requirements for pharmacy benefit managers when denying an appeal of the cost of a prescription drug. These requirements would include the communication of and adjustment to prescription pricing based on the ruling of those appeals.

"I am pleased to see this legislation being passed by the Senate, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to continue the momentum on this bill," Zay said. "SB 143 is a step in the right direction of lowering health care costs and increasing transparency of prescription drug pricing."

SB 143 also requires the Indiana Department of Insurance to develop a process for complaints of denied appeals and unfair, unjust or unlawful contract provisions.

SB 143 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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For a high-resolution photo of Zay, click here.