This bill amends section 68-9,111 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to establish new pharmacy dispensing fees for independent pharmacies and other pharmacies participating in the medical assistance program. Beginning in fiscal year 2024-25, the reimbursement for independent pharmacies will be set at ten dollars and thirty-eight cents per prescription until a cost-of-dispensing survey is completed. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services amend Medicaid managed care organization contracts to align with these new dispensing fees. Additionally, the department is required to submit a report by December 15, 2024, with recommendations for adjusting pharmacy dispensing fees.

Effective July 1, 2026, the bill introduces a tiered reimbursement structure for all pharmacies based on the number of prescriptions filled annually. Independent pharmacies will continue to receive ten dollars and thirty-eight cents per prescription, while other pharmacies will receive varying amounts based on their prescription volume. Pharmacies with fewer than 30,000 prescriptions will receive the same fee as independent pharmacies, while those with 30,000 to 70,000 prescriptions will receive nine dollars and fifty-one cents, and those with 70,000 or more will receive eight dollars and thirty cents. The bill also stipulates that pharmacies that are the only enrolled pharmacy within a thirty-mile radius will receive the higher dispensing fee. Furthermore, a follow-up cost-of-dispensing survey is required by July 1, 2026, to ensure fair reimbursement for all pharmacies. The original section 68-9,111 is repealed as part of this amendment.