Hawaii legislators are considering a new bill, HB 1221, that recognizes pharmacists as providers and mandates reimbursement for services rendered within their scope of practice. There are significant cost savings and improved health outcomes associated with pharmacists receiving optimal reimbursement rates. HB 1221 now awaits hearings in the House of Representatives.

Alongside leadership from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, NCPA participated in a meeting with Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito to discuss PBM oversight and enforcement. As originally introduced, HB 1381 removed certain reimbursement protections from the Department of Health but did not propose a transition to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner as in previous years. In recognition that PBM oversight is needed, and in response to advocacy efforts, SB 1381 was amended to include a delayed implementation date of 2050.

The state of Hawaii recently heard testimony on SB 605, "Relating to PrescriptionDrugs." This bill would require prescription drug manufacturers to notify drug plans and PBMs if a proposed increase in wholesale drug prices would result in a 16% or more price increase in a  two-year period. The Senate Health Committee deferred SB 605 to a future hearing.