REQUESTING THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE STATE HEALTH PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CONVENE A PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER WORKING GROUP TO DETERMINE THE BEST POLICIES TO REFORM PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER PRACTICES IN THE STATE TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND FAIRNESS FOR CONSUMERS AND IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR, LOWER DRUG COSTS FOR PATIENT CONSUMERS, AND INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.

This Senate Resolution (SR 53) requests Hawaii's State Health Planning and Development Agency to form a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Working Group. The group, including pharmacy associations, insurers, and state agencies, will evaluate PBM practices to improve transparency, lower drug costs for patients, and increase healthcare access. It will specifically examine issues like fair pharmacy reimbursements, PBM reporting requirements, and practices that restrict patient access. The Working Group must submit recommendations to the Legislature by early 2026. This resolution does not change laws but seeks to identify policy reforms for future legislation.