Stand up for patient-centered, affordable, local health care at KPhA's Advocacy Day on Feb. 4 in Topeka. Lawmakers returned to Topeka on Jan. 12 to begin the 90-day session. In a few short weeks, KPhA wants to fill the statehouse with pharmacy professionals and friends of pharmacy to support PBM Reform efforts. Can you join us?

We expect our PBM Reform bill to be ready for introduction in the coming days. It protects patient access, brings transparency to hidden health care costs, has proven to save money in other states, and helps Kansas families and taxpayers. It includes:

• Audit Protections: Clear standards for audit criteria and timing, notification requirements, and mandatory registration of auditors with the Kansas Department of Insurance (KDOI).
  
• Reporting, Transparency, and Oversight: Required PBM reporting to KDOI on rebates and payments, expanded regulatory oversight, and broader grounds for enforcement and discipline.
• Reimbursement Protections: Establishment of a minimum reimbursement floor, protections requiring PBMs to charge health plans no more than what they pay pharmacies, and a prohibition on point-of-sale and retroactive fees.
  

In addition, KPhA is actively supporting key stakeholder efforts that directly affect pharmacy practice and patient access.

• The Kansas Hospital Association's 340B efforts: State Issues
  
• The Cicero Institute’s Standards of Care legislation: Pharmacists Can Fill the Doctor Shortage Gap in Kansas