The Senate Resolution urges the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive study on the implications of prohibiting pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) ownership of pharmacies within the state. It highlights concerns regarding vertical integration in healthcare, where a single entity controls various aspects of the healthcare process, including insurance, pharmacy benefits, and pharmacy operations. This consolidation can lead to reduced competition, higher healthcare costs, and limited choices for patients, as major corporations dominate the PBM market. The resolution calls for a thorough analysis to understand the potential impacts of such a prohibition on patient access, employer-sponsored health plans, and the overall provision of pharmacy services.

The resolution mandates that the Department of Health submit a report to the legislature by March 1, 2026, detailing several key areas of impact. These include estimated costs or savings for plan sponsors, effects on Medicare pharmacy network adequacy, potential employment changes, and the implications for patient access to medications. Additionally, the report should assess the capacity of non-prohibited pharmacies to accommodate displaced patients and the potential costs associated with prescription noncompliance for Medicaid. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health to ensure the study is initiated.