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5/26/2026
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Senate OKs Britto legislation to increase accountability, transparency of pharmacy benefit managers
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STATE HOUSE — The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Robert Britto that would increase the accountability and transparency of pharmacy benefit managers. The bill is part of the Senate’s 17-bill package of healthcare legislation centered on supporting Rhode Islanders in crisis, protecting patients and providers, and strengthening the state’s health workforce.
The bill (2026-S 3059A) would amend the Pharmacy Freedom of Choice law to impose certain duties on pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacy benefit management services.
A pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM, is a third-party administrator that acts as a middleman between health insurers, drug manufacturers, and pharmacies. They manage prescription drug benefits, negotiate prices, process claims, and maintain lists of covered medications.
“This is a financial transparency bill,” said Senator Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket). “It makes pharmacy benefit managers report all financials to the insurer, related to how they operate in respect to pricing, discounts and credits. It prohibits them from substituting prescription drugs without a healthcare provider’s approval.”
Under the terms of the legislation, PBMs would not be allowed to prohibit or penalize a pharmacy from disclosing the cost of a prescription medication or service to an individual, the availability of any therapeutically equivalent alternative medications, nor would they be allowed to charge or collect from an individual a copayment that exceeds the total submitted charges by the pharmacy for which the pharmacy is paid.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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