Substitute House Bill No. 7192, also known as Public Act No. 25-167, introduces significant regulations for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and health carriers in Connecticut, effective from October 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The bill requires PBMs to act in good faith and disclose conflicts of interest while mandating that they offer health plans the option to be charged the same price for prescription drugs as pharmacies. It repeals certain existing provisions regarding pharmacy service contracts, including prohibitions on pharmacists disclosing medication costs, rendering any contract that violates these provisions void. Additionally, the bill establishes a task force to study prescription drug shortages, requiring annual reports and recommendations to enhance local drug production.

The legislation also aims to improve the accessibility and affordability of prescription drugs by mandating health carriers to credit enrollees for out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-network drug purchases, contingent upon proof of payment. It establishes a Canadian prescription drug importation program to potentially lower drug costs, with the Commissioner of Consumer Protection overseeing compliance and safety standards. Furthermore, the bill allows state agencies to negotiate bulk drug prices and creates an Advisory Council on Pharmaceutical Procurement to guide these negotiations. The Commissioner of Social Services is tasked with advocating for generic, lower-cost drugs for specific health conditions, with reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability in these initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 414:
INS Joint Favorable:
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 916:
Public Act No. 25-167: