Drug Insurance Benefits; impose more restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers

SB 99 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which act as intermediaries between health insurers and pharmacies. It directly affects pharmacies (by setting reimbursement benchmarks), patients (by prohibiting PBMs from forcing specific drug versions or pharmacies), and insurers (by allowing legal action for PBM violations). Key provisions include requiring fair pharmacy payments, banning PBM influence over drug choices, and creating a civil lawsuit option for harmed parties. The bill also tightens rules for pharmacy audits and fund recoupments under existing law. These changes aim to increase transparency and accountability in how PBMs handle drug pricing and patient care.