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6/11/2026
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General Assembly passes bill to increase accountability, transparency of pharmacy benefit managers
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Robert Britto and Rep. Justine A. Caldwell 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 measure now moves to the governor’s office.
The bill (2026-S 3059B, 2026-H 8582A) 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.
“I constantly hear from constituents and advocates about how pharmacy benefit managers cause such a huge problem to consumers,” said Representative Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich). “They make medication more expensive, harder to get and they are simply making money off the backs of people who need quality, accessible, affordable healthcare. In addition to spelling out how PBMs would be allowed to substitute medication and bill insurance, the legislation would also provide rules regarding online appeals to the actions of pharmacy benefit managers, providing another level of transparency and accountability.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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