This bill aims to prohibit pharmacy benefits managers from mandating that covered persons utilize mail service pharmacies. It specifically states that in any contract or arrangement with private health insurers, prescription benefit plans, or state health programs, pharmacy benefits managers cannot require covered individuals to use mail service pharmacies or automatically enroll them in such programs. Instead, the bill allows for the provision of benefits through mail service pharmacies only if covered persons are given the choice to opt for either a mail service pharmacy or a non-mail service pharmacy, and if they provide written consent for the use of the mail service pharmacy.

The motivation behind this legislation is to address concerns that some pharmacy benefits managers in New Jersey have been automatically enrolling covered persons in mail service pharmacy programs without their consent. By enacting this bill, the sponsor seeks to protect the rights of covered individuals, ensuring they have the option to choose their preferred pharmacy type without being forced into mail service arrangements. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.