HEALTH/ACC INSURANCE: Provides for pharmacy benefit managers. (gov sig)

SB 381 (Louisiana) regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to pass all drug manufacturer rebates directly to health plans as lower premiums or reduced patient costs, rather than keeping them. It prohibits PBMs from withholding rebates to exclude generic or cheaper drugs from formularies and bans requiring patients to use more expensive brand-name drugs when cheaper alternatives exist. The bill also mandates a 60-day transition period for patients when a drug is removed from a formulary, ensuring continuity of care during plan changes. These provisions directly affect PBMs, health insurers, pharmacies, and patients in Louisiana by increasing transparency and reducing out-of-pocket costs. The bill is pending legislative action as of its prefiling date.