​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 was required to submit an interim report (Workgroup to Study Pharmacy Benefits Managers) by December 31, 2025 to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee, and must submit a final report on their findings and recommendations by December 31, 2026 to the same committees (note that the House Health and Government Operations Committee is now the House Health Committee). 

In furtherance of the development of the required interim report, the Workgroup to Study Pharmacy Benefits Managers announces SIX upcoming virtual public workgroup meetings. 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: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 3:30pm – 5:00pm
The Workgroup will outline the work plan for 2026. The Workgroup will also continue its discussion of specific provisions of State law concerning pharmacy benefit managers, specialty pharmacies, and anti-steering, as well as begin discussing the Workgroup's charge related to costs associated with pharmacies contracting with commercial plans versus pharmacies contracting with the Maryland Medical Assistance Program.  

Meeting Two: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:00am – 12:30pm
The Workgroup will discuss the definition of and coverage requirements for specialty drugs.

Meeting Three: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 11:00am – 12:30pm
The Workgroup will begin discussing reimbursement for pharmacists. Discussion of this topic will continue into the fourth public meeting.

Meeting Four: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
The Workgroup will continue discussing reimbursement for pharmacists.

Meeting Five: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am

During this meeting, the MIA and MDH will share the recommendations that will be included in the final report, and accept Workgroup feedback. ​

Meeting Six: Friday, October 30, 2026, 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
The final meeting, the MIA and MDH, will present the draft final report and accept Workgroup and 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.

2025 Meetings

Meeting One: August 27, 2025
The Workgroup will introduce its members and outline the work plan for 2025, expectations for 2026, and key dates.
Workgroup Presentation
Click HERE​ to view video of meeting​​​

Meeting Two: September 17, 2025
The Workgroup will discuss ERISA exemptions for pharmacy benefits management regulation.
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: League of Lif​e and Health Insurers of Maryland - September 17, 2025
Comment Letter: Fre​derick 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: October 8, 2025
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.
Workgroup Presentation
Click HERE to view video of meeting.​​

Meeting four: October 31, 2025
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.
​DRAFT Interim Report
Click HE​RE​ to view video of meeting​​​

Comment Letter: Independent Pharmacies of Maryland​ - November 14, 2025​​