The "Community Pharmacy Relief Act," also known as SB252, introduces significant regulations for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Alabama, aiming to protect independent pharmacies and enhance transparency in the pharmacy benefits system. Key provisions include the prohibition of PBMs from reimbursing independent pharmacies below the Medicaid reimbursement rate and the requirement for PBMs to pay pharmacies directly for prescription drugs. The bill also defines practices such as "steering" and mandates that PBMs cannot impose penalties that limit a covered individual's choice of pharmacy. Additionally, it establishes minimum reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies and requires PBMs to pass on 100% of rebates received from pharmaceutical manufacturers to health benefit plan clients.

The bill includes important insertions and deletions to clarify the roles of PBMs and their affiliates. New definitions for terms like "independent pharmacy," "rebate," and "spread pricing" are introduced, while outdated terms are removed. The legislation also prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacists for exercising their rights and allows pharmacists to decline to dispense drugs if the reimbursement is lower than their dispensing cost. Furthermore, it outlines the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Insurance in enforcing these regulations, including conducting audits and imposing civil penalties for violations. Overall, SB252 aims to create a fairer and more transparent pharmacy benefits management system that benefits both pharmacists and consumers in Alabama.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27-45A-3, 27-45A-5, 27-45A-6, 27-45A-7, 27-45A-8, 27-45A-10
Engrossed: 27-45A-3, 27-45A-5, 27-45A-6, 27-45A-7, 27-45A-8, 27-45A-10
Enrolled: 27-45A-3, 27-45A-5, 27-45A-6, 27-45A-8, 27-45A-10