State Legislators Host Roundtable - Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM)

State Legislators Host Roundtable Discussion on Pharmacy Benefit Managers to Address Medication Access Challenges

ATLANTA – A coalition of Georgia state legislators recently hosted a roundtable discussion on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) at the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, October 28, 2024. The event brought together lawmakers, healthcare experts, and patient advocates to address the root causes of issues surrounding PBMs and explore pathways for drafting effective legislation to improve medication access for all Georgians. The roundtable included in-depth presentations, a question-and-answer session, and a review of prior legislation with suggestions for further improvement.

The roundtable emphasized the importance of identifying underlying challenges and barriers within the PBM system that impact both medication affordability and access to pharmacies. “The roundtable was incredibly educational and enlightening,” said Rep. Kim Schofield. “We were able to dive deeply into the complexities of PBMs, which allowed for a clear understanding of both the current challenges and actionable solutions.”

State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) highlighted the need for legislation that tackles the foundational issues affecting medication access. “In addition to assessing prior legislation, I asked key questions about the root causes of these challenges and how we can draft solutions that directly address them. Ensuring Georgians have better access to essential medications and local pharmacies is our priority,” said Rep. Davis.

Panelists for the discussion included notable experts and advocates such as Greg Reybold, Dr. Robert Levin, Dr. John Goldman, Michael Power, and Dorothy Leone Glasser, who provided valuable insights into current and proposed solutions within the healthcare system.

In attendance were State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), Sheila Jones (D-Atlanta), Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton), Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), and State Senators Nikki Merritt (D-Grayson) and Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta), alongside industry representatives and medical association members.

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