Your pharmacies are asking for your help: it only takes a few moments and it needs to be done ASAP please contact your state legislature about HB 4149 . Call your pharmacy or me if you need help or want more information.
The State Legislature is the only body responsible for regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Oregon; the only group who is responsible for policy that ensures accessible, affordable health care.
While PBMs play a significant and entrenched role in the healthcare system, increasing amounts of studies and reports – including an audit by the Secretary of State – have revealed detrimental business practices, and opaque contracts. This is causing direct harm to Oregon patients and pharmacies.
Without strong regulations, such as licensing and transparency measures, patients experience higher out of pocket costs, delays in accessing treatments and increasingly limited choices in pharmacies; nearly 40 have closed in the last year. If you are lucky enough to have a pharmacy, wait times and long lines are not the fault of the pharmacist. Blame the PBM that does not allow drugs to be kept in stock, additional staff to be hired, and for the subsequent closing of your local pharmacy.
Legislative reform is essential to ensure PBMs operate in a manner that prioritizes the interests of patients and promotes a competitive and fair marketplace. Effective PBM reform can lower healthcare costs, improve medication adherence, and enhance overall health outcomes for individuals and communities across the state. Changes that benefit patients, pharmacies, and the healthcare system as a whole. Together, we can ensure that healthcare remains accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Oregonians.
Legislators in Salem need to immediately prioritize the strongest possible version of HB 4149 and work toward implementing meaningful reform.
Amber Grant RPH
Silverton Pill Box
