Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

SB 34, the "Access to Lifesaving Medicines Act," prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from requiring insured Oklahomans to pay "excess cost burdens" for prescription drugs - defined as costs exceeding the insurer's net price after discounts. It mandates that PBMs must offer rebates directly to health benefit plan enrollees and limits out-of-pocket costs to the lowest of six specified amounts, including the maximum allowable drug cost and the adjusted out-of-pocket amount. The law directly affects patients with prescription drug coverage, insurers, and PBMs by restructuring how drug costs are shared at the point of sale. It requires insurers to follow these cost-sharing rules starting November 1, 2025, and directs the Insurance Commissioner to create implementing regulations.

SB 1033 requires out-of-state pharmacies that ship drugs into Oklahoma to obtain a license from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy and comply with state pharmacy laws. It mandates initial and annual on-site inspections by Oklahoma inspectors (not out-of-state agencies), with pharmacies covering inspection costs. Key violations include breaching pharmacy technician ratios, shipping abortion-inducing drugs in violation of state law, or failing to follow storage guidelines, leading to fines up to $50,000 or license revocation for non-compliance. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025.