S.B. No. 493 aims to enhance the protections for pharmacists and pharmacies regarding their communications about prescription drug benefits. The bill introduces a new section, 562.0035, to the Occupations Code, which defines "enrollee" as an individual covered under a health benefit plan, including dependents. It prohibits pharmacists and pharmacies from entering into contracts or agreements that restrict their ability to inform enrollees about the differences in out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under their health benefit plans versus the costs without submitting a claim. Additionally, it allows pharmacists and pharmacies to communicate with health benefit plan sponsors about various aspects of prescription drug benefits and pharmacy services.

The provisions of this bill will only apply to contracts or agreements that are entered into or amended after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislation seeks to ensure that pharmacists can provide transparent information to enrollees, thereby promoting informed decision-making regarding prescription drug costs and benefits.

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