Drug Topics January 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The spending package mandates CMS to define clear contract terms for pharmacies dispensing Medicare Part D drugs, reducing PBMs’ predatory practices.
- Independent pharmacies view the reform as a significant legislative change, promoting transparency and fairness in PBM contracts.
- The bill allocates $188 million for enforcement, allowing pharmacies to report contract violations and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
- The legislation aims to delink PBMs’ Medicare Part D compensation from drug prices, establishing an “essential retail pharmacy” designation.
The new provisions would be the first major update to a Medicare Part D statute impacting the pharmacy industry in nearly 20 years.
On Tuesday, Congress released details behind its 4-part spending package, which featured key pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform,...
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