DeWine signs pharmacy benefit manager bill

SANDUSKY — Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a local lawmaker's bill to establish licensing rules and provide transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. House Bill 229 by state Rep. Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, puts the job in a new, dedicated chapter of Ohio's Insurance Code, ensuring regulatory oversight and standardizing definitions and reporting requirements. DeWine announced Tuesday that he's signed Deeter's bill. Pharmacy benefit managers manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of insurers and employers, and also process claims related to pharmacy benefits, according to a news release. Deeter explained that her bill could help many Ohioans who receive prescription drugs and won't just affect people who work in the industry. The measure requires the Department of Insurance to license pharmacy benefit managers in Ohio and any company providing pharmacy benefit manager services would be required to obtain a license. "Today, Ohio is taking a major step toward transparency in prescription drug pricing," said Deeter. "With the passage of House Bill 229, pharmacy benefit managers operating in our state will be required to operate in the open, giving employers the information they need to make smarter, more informed decisions about their prescription benefit plans." Employers who provide health benefits to employees normally contract with pharmacy benefit managers to administer their pharmacy benefit plan, Deeter told a Register reporter. So the measure affects many employers, and also employees, pharmacies and patients. "Employers deserve clear, consistent reporting from (pharmacy benefit managers) so they can manage costs responsibly and ensure their employees receive affordable medications," Deeter said. Deeter works in the health care industry, using her dual certifications as a nurse practitioner and a nurse anesthetist. Many of her bills deal with issues of health care policy.