Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) were originally designed to help employers manage rising drug costs. Today, many have built business models that put profits ahead of patient care, creating pricing games, blocking independent pharmacies, and driving up plan costs.
Arkansas is putting a stop to that. HB 1150, a new law set to take effect in 2026, will prohibit PBMs that own pharmacies from operating them in the state. The goal is simple: eliminate conflicts of interest and protect patient access to affordable care.
Employers, especially those with Arkansas-based members, should prepare by:
- Choosing PBMs without ownership ties to licensed pharmacies in the state.
- Working with current PBMs to ensure pharmacy networks include non-affiliated providers.
- Planning for pharmacy closures, especially in areas where access may already be limited.
Because HB 1150 regulates pharmacy licensing, not benefit design, employers with self-funded ERISA plans likely won’t be exempt.
Other states and even Congress are watching Arkansas closely. Change is coming, and employers that demand a true fiduciary standard from their PBM partners will be better positioned to control costs and protect their members.
At TransparentRx, we help employers eliminate hidden conflicts and ensure pharmacy benefits are managed with complete transparency and care. If your PBM isn’t aligned with your best interests, let’s talk.
