Representative Harris’ Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Bill, HB 2750, Provides Safeguards and Protects Patient Choice
(AUSTIN, Texas) —The Texas Coalition of Patients applauds Representative Cody Harris (R-Tyler) for filing HB 2750, a bill aimed at cracking down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), the middlemen who negotiate drug prices and coverage. While PBMs were meant to cut costs, some now take advantage of the system to boost profits, often at the expense of patients. With little oversight, they control which prescriptions are covered and where people can fill them. HB 2750 aims to bring transparency and fairness back to the process, ensuring patients get a better deal on their medications.
“When a health insurance company requires an enrollee to use their pharmacy network, they should be negotiating and working on behalf of the consumer, not their bottom line,” Rep. Harris said. “Now is the time to reform this bad behavior and ensure patients can make the best decisions when obtaining care.”
Recent reports from the Federal Trade Commission expose the unethical practices of PBMs, including the practice of marking up prices of lifesaving drugs by hundreds, even thousands, of percent. PBMs will then steer or require enrollees to utilize these prescriptions and treatments, profiting off the backs of consumers.
HB 2750 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring patients to use the service of any insurance-owned or integrated PBM. This legislation will ensure transparency for patients so they can make decisions putting their health first. This also promotes a competitive marketplace and creates better options for consumers.
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About Texas Coalition for Patients (TCP)
The Texas Coalition for Patients (TCP) works to support patients, families, physicians and other clinicians who care for Texas communities by advocating for greater patient-centered transparency and accountability from all healthcare stakeholders. We are advocates from across the health sector and political spectrum working to give a voice to Texans by championing practices that put patients over profits. Learn more and join the fight to demand better coverage at TexasPatients.org.
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