pharmacists; pharmacies; reimbursement costs; appeals

This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse independent pharmacies at actual cost for prescription drugs or devices, not below that cost. It mandates a minimum professional dispensing fee and creates a 7-business-day appeal process for pharmacies challenging low reimbursements. If a pharmacy wins an appeal, the PBM must adjust payments retroactively, apply the change to similar pharmacies, and allow rebilling. The law applies to new contracts entered after December 31, 2026.