BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
ALABAMA — Gov. Kay Ivey signed the pharmacy benefits manager reform legislation Senate Bill 252 into law Tuesday, Apr. 15. Valley Pharmacy owner Craig Moore, who also serves as President of the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance (AIPA), worked together with his fellow board members to draft the legislation which is also known as the Community Pharmacy Relief Act. Marking the day on which the massive legislative victory took place, the AIPA published a press release.
“This landmark legislation is the result of a widespread grassroots effort that began in May 2024 when a group of pharmacists, pharmacy owners and concerned members of the community met together to discuss the unethical practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that were rapidly affecting access to healthcare all over the state,” wrote the AIPA in the release. “Many voices from the opposition maintained that PBM Reform would never be passed in Alabama due to the unique landscape of corporate affiliations. Despite those voices, these individuals launched a mass effort that would eventually result in one of the largest victories in the nation against PBMs.”
The group gave some background information in the release.
“In October, AIPA was officially formed and engaged pharmacists from all over the state in helping to write SB99, the initially proposed legislation that gained quick momentum in Montgomery and forged the path towards PBM reform. These dedicated and passionate individuals devoted their time and resources to educate the public, business owners and legislators on the threat that the anticompetitive practices of PBMs pose to healthcare access and small businesses in Alabama.”
So what’s next?
“While we celebrate this historic milestone, there is still work to be done,” the release read. “SB252 is only the first step in dismantling the corrupt behemoth that is responsible for the increased cost of healthcare in Alabama, all at the expense of pharmacies, employers and patients. AIPA will continue to work with legislators to accomplish this goal. AIPA would like to sincerely thank our members and all other pharmacists who contributed to this monumental effort that will allow pharmacies to continue to serve their communities. Above all, we thank God and glorify Him for guiding this effort and ensuring that the truth came to light. Finally, AIPA would like to thank SB252 sponsor Senator Billy Beasley, Senator Larry Stutts and President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger for their efforts to understand this issue and negotiate SB252 through the legislative process, as well as the other legislators who unanimously supported this bill.”
