Mississippi House Speaker Jason White indicated Monday night that lawmakers are working on a proposal to revive legislation targeting pharmacy benefit manager reform. White said they might ask Gov. Tate Reeves to call a special legislative session later this week if an agreement is reached.
The remarks came as lawmakers finalized most of the state’s $7.36 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year. White also signaled that the 2026 session would conclude by week’s end. Meanwhile, the House passed a resolution to extend the legislative session at least “on paper” to April 15, providing flexibility to address last-minute issues. The Senate is expected to approve the measure.
White mentioned that measures under consideration could include resolving issues related to teacher pay raises and efforts to redraw Mississippi’s Supreme Court districts. The focus also remains on pharmacy benefit manager reform, a major issue of the session.
Reform legislation aimed at increasing transparency in PBM operations stalled in negotiations. PBMs, used by health insurers and self-insured employers, have faced scrutiny for opaque business practices, market consolidation, and increased drug prices with little accountability. White previously called on Reeves to convene a special session to restart PBM reform talks.
He said lawmakers are close to an agreement that could lead to a one-day special session, possibly as soon as Thursday. White discussed alternative language supported by many independent pharmacies, though he declined to provide details. The original House bill would have shifted PBM regulation from the Board of Pharmacy to the insurance commissioner, while the Senate version kept regulation at the pharmacy board and added language to ensure fair and transparent reimbursement for pharmacists.
Independent pharmacists have warned that if reform does not pass, their businesses could close due to low reimbursements and unfair practices. The dispute has also involved federal officials; a March 18 memo from the Trump administration urged negotiations to remove provisions that could interfere with TrumpRx, a government website offering prescription drug discounts. Reeves met with lawmakers to encourage compromise, according to Senate negotiators. A similar reform bill last year failed to pass in the House after a procedural challenge, leaving the issue unresolved.
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
