Relating to the reimbursement of prescription drugs under Medicaid and the child health plan program.

HB 4533 requires Medicaid managed care organizations and pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse Texas pharmacies for prescription drugs at a minimum rate. This rate must be at least the lesser of the vendor drug program reimbursement (including a dispensing fee) or the pharmacy's usual charge to the public. The bill mandates the state to conduct monthly surveys of Texas retail, specialty, and long-term care pharmacies to determine actual drug acquisition costs, which will set reimbursement rates. It also requires biennial studies to adjust dispensing fees based on pharmacies' documented costs, ensuring payments cover real expenses. This directly affects Texas pharmacies serving Medicaid and child health plan program patients.