2021 -- S 0497

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LC001372

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

     Introduced By: Senators Felag, Coyne, Seveney, Sosnowski, Ciccone, and Raptakis

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 27-20.8 of the General Laws entitled "Prescription Drug Benefits" is

hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     27-20.8-3. Price disclosure.

A plan sponsor, health insurance carrier, or pharmacy benefit manager shall not:

(1) Prohibit a pharmacist from discussing reimbursement criteria with an

     individual presenting a prescription;

(2) Penalize a pharmacy or pharmacist for disclosing the information described in

     subsection (1) of this section to an individual presenting a prescription or for selling a more

     affordable alternative to an individual presenting a prescription; or

(3) Require a pharmacy or pharmacist to charge or collect a copayment from an

     individual presenting a prescription that exceeds the total charges submitted by the network

     pharmacy.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001372

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

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     This act would bar health insurance plans from prohibiting pharmacists discussing

reimbursement criteria with individuals presenting prescriptions. Furthermore, health insurance

plans may not penalize a pharmacy or pharmacist from disclosing reimbursement criteria with an

individual presenting a prescription or for not charging a copayment from an individual presenting

a prescription that exceeds the total charges submitted by the network pharmacy.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001372

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