Contact with your Legislator is Key.
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3/30/26 - Last week Senate Bill 878 was third read and passed in the Senate with a vote of 28-1. It has since been sent to the House and is expected to be referred to committee in the coming weeks. Please call your legislators to ask for their support on SB 878.
SUPPORT SB 878
Improve Patient Access to Care
Missouri pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare providers in their communities—especially in rural areas where healthcare options may be limited. SB 878 helps modernize pharmacy practice so pharmacists can better serve patients and improve access to timely care.
This legislation allows pharmacists to provide additional patient care services under rules established by the Board of Pharmacy and Board of Healing Arts. It also clarifies the use of CLIA-waived tests in pharmacies—simple, rapid tests such as those used for flu, strep, and COVID-19 that provide results within minutes and help patients quickly receive guidance on treatment or referral.
Importantly, this legislation is not about replacing physicians. Pharmacists want to continue working collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
The bill also improves patient access to certain medical devices, including test strips, pen needles, and spacers, helping patients better manage chronic conditions.
LEGISLATION
SB 878 (Fitzwater)
Modifies provisions relating to duties of a pharmacist.
HB 3499 (Cook)
Modifies the duties of a pharmacist.
HB 1976 (Cook)
Modifies provisions relating to the ordering and administration of vaccines by pharmacists.
Print these fillable Bag Clippers to clip on your patient’s prescription bags. These are informative documents which point them to our PBM site, or to scan a QR code to send a letter to their legislator. Just Print, Cut, Attach, and urge patients to help us STOP PBM ABUSE!
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Do you want to get your patients involved in the fight against high drug prices, barriers to care, and high copays. Click below to print our infographics to inform them of our mission.
How do PBMs impact pharmacists?
Limited Network Access: Some PBMs create exclusive networks of pharmacies, limiting patient choice and potentially reducing business for independent pharmacies that may not be included in these networks. This can negatively impact the viability of independent pharmacies.
Below-Cost Reimbursements: PBMs negotiate reimbursement rates with pharmacies for dispensing medications. These rates can be low, leading to financial challenges for pharmacies. Some pharmacists argue that inadequate reimbursement rates make it difficult for them to cover their operational costs and maintain a sustainable business.
Lack of Transparency: PBMs' pricing and rebate structures are complex and opaque, making it challenging for pharmacists to understand how reimbursement rates are determined and leading to difficulties in predicting revenue.
Prior Authorization and Administrative Burden: PBMs often require pharmacists to obtain prior authorization for certain medications, which can be time-consuming and administratively burdensome. These requirements may delay patient access to necessary medications and increase their workload.
Clawbacks: PBMs engage in a practice known as "clawbacks." This occurs when a PBM retroactively reduces the amount paid to a pharmacy for a prescription, often without clear communication or justification. Pharmacies find themselves having to return money to the PBM after a transaction has already occurred.
PBM-Owned Pharmacies: Some PBMs are associated with or owned by large pharmacy chains or retail corporations. This vertical integration can create conflicts of interest, as PBMs may prioritize their affiliated pharmacies over independent or smaller chains. This can lead to an uneven playing field in the pharmacy industry.
Tell Us Your Story.
Have you been impacted by PBMs’ below-cost reimbursements and deceptive practices? We want to hear from you as we cater our mission to support Missourians needs.