89R26655 DNC-D
 
  By: Kolkhorst, et al. S.B. No. 493
 
  (Wharton)
 
  Substitute the following for S.B. No. 493:  No.
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to protection of certain disclosures and communications by
  pharmacists and pharmacies regarding prescription drug benefits.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter D, Chapter 4151, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 4151.155 to read as follows:
         Sec. 4151.155.  CERTAIN DISCLOSURES AND COMMUNICATIONS BY
  PHARMACIST OR PHARMACY PROTECTED. (a)  A pharmacy benefit manager
  may not, by contract or otherwise, prohibit or restrict a
  pharmacist or pharmacy from informing an enrollee of any difference
  between the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost for a prescription drug
  under the enrollee's prescription drug benefit and the
  out-of-pocket cost without submitting a claim under the enrollee's
  prescription drug benefit.
         (b)  A provision in a pharmacy benefit manager's pharmacy
  benefit network contract is void and unenforceable if the provision
  prohibits or restricts a pharmacist or pharmacy from:
               (1)  informing an enrollee of any difference between
  the enrollee's out-of-pocket cost for a prescription drug under the
  enrollee's prescription drug benefit and the out-of-pocket cost
  without submitting a claim under the enrollee's prescription drug
  benefit; or
               (2)  communicating with plan sponsors or
  administrators regarding member services with respect to
  prescription drug benefits, pharmacy services and benefits,
  network access and adequacy with respect to prescription drug
  benefits, partnership opportunities, or prescription claim
  reimbursement.
         SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  to a contract or agreement entered into, amended, or renewed on or
  after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.