Pharmacy Benefits Managers; providing additional regulation of practices

SB 93 requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in Alabama to reimburse pharmacies at the actual cost of drugs and bans PBMs from charging pharmacies fees for network participation or claims processing. It allows pharmacists to share drug pricing information and alternatives with patients and lets pharmacies refuse to dispense drugs if reimbursed below their dispensing cost - without forcing patients to pay higher deductibles or copays. The Alabama Department of Insurance will enforce these rules and investigate PBM violations during pharmacy audits. This directly affects pharmacies, pharmacists, and PBMs operating in Alabama's health insurance system.