In 2025, the Maryland General Assembly passed HB0813, requiring Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Department of Health, in consultation with the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, to convene a workgroup to study and review reimbursement for pharmacists (the “Workgroup to Study Pharmacy Benefits Managers" or the “Workgroup"). The Workgroup is required to submit an interim report by December 31, 2025 to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee, and a final report on their findings and recommendations by December 31, 2026 to the same committees.
In furtherance of the development of the required interim report, the Workgroup to Study Pharmacy Benefits Managers announces FOUR upcoming virtual public workgroup meetings, listed below. Members of the public will have the opportunity to sign up in advance to provide live feedback on the topics to be covered in each meeting, after the Workgroup's discussions, as time and technology allow. Additional opportunities to submit written comments will be provided after each meeting.
Meeting One: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 4:00 to 5:00 PM - Virtual
The Workgroup will introduce its members and outline the work plan for 2025, expectations for 2026, and key dates.
Agenda
Workgroup Presentation
Click HERE to view video of meeting
Meeting Two: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 3:00 to 4:00 PM - Virtual
The Workgroup will discuss ERISA exemptions for pharmacy benefits management regulation.
Agenda
Workgroup Presentation
Click HERE to view video of meeting (No audio until the 1:32 minute mark)
Comment Letter: AHIP/Groom Law - September 18, 2025
Comment Letter: Frederick County Chamber of Commerce - September 23, 2025
Comment Letter: Washington County Chamber of Commerce - September 29, 2025
Comment Letter: Maryland Association of Counties - October 1, 2025
Comment Letter: Maryland Chamber of Commerce - October 1, 2025
Comment Letter: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24 - October 1, 2025
Comment Letter: Maryland Independent College and University Association - October 1, 2025
Meeting Three: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 10:30 to 11:30 AM
The Workgroup will begin discussing coverage requirements for specialty drugs, and data collection efforts related to compliance with specific provisions of State law concerning pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacies, and anti-steering. Discussion of both topics will continue into 2026.
Agenda
Workgroup Presentation
Click HERE to view video of meeting.
Meeting four: Friday, October 31, 2025, 2:30 to 3:30 PM
During this last meeting for 2025, the Workgroup will present its draft interim report, and accept public comment on it, as time allows. Written comments will also be accepted for two weeks following the meeting.
Agendas, with links for public access and instructions on how to sign up to provide comments, will be provided in advance of each meeting.
