Mississippi House Speaker Jason White announced Thursday that the Senate has blocked proposed pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation. White said Senate amendments would have increased costs for patients and healthcare expenses for plan sponsors.
White took to social media to say the House was allowing the amended bill to die at the evening deadline without concurring or requesting a conference. He criticized the Senate for inserting language that would raise dispensing fees, which he argued would lead to higher insurance premiums for Mississippians.
The Mississippi Business Alliance and its members opposed the Senate amendments, which passed in a 44-7 vote. White also noted that discussions with Governor Tate Reeves indicated Reeves is unlikely to sign HB 1665 in its current form. The governor has been working with interested parties to find a compromise, White said.
In an effort to continue negotiations, White said the House has requested that Reeves call a special session in the remaining days of the legislative session. The goal is to address PBM reform and find an agreeable solution for all parties.
This is the third year the House has led efforts to reform PBMs. The original House bill, authored by Rep. Hank Zuber, was the only measure filed on the issue this session. White emphasized that Senate amendments have gone too far, shifting costs onto patients.
White added that the House remains committed to protecting independent pharmacists and easing their concerns without harming businesses or consumers. The House intends to consider and pass a bill that balances the needs of patients, businesses, and pharmacists in the coming days.
There has been no confirmation if Reeves will call a special session. If he does, other issues such as expanded education options for parents could be added to the agenda, according to White.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
