Retail pharmacy network access standards.

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A. Pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) shall comply with the following retail pharmacy network access standards:

1. At least ninety percent (90%) of covered individuals residing in an urban service area live within two (2) miles of a retail pharmacy participating in the PBM's retail pharmacy network;

2. At least ninety percent (90%) of covered individuals residing in an urban service area live within five (5) miles of a retail pharmacy designated as a preferred participating pharmacy in the PBM's retail pharmacy network;

3. At least ninety percent (90%) of covered individuals residing in a suburban service area live within five (5) miles of a retail pharmacy participating in the PBM's retail pharmacy network;

4. At least ninety percent (90%) of covered individuals residing in a suburban service area live within seven (7) miles of a retail pharmacy designated as a preferred participating pharmacy in the PBM's retail pharmacy network;

5. At least seventy percent (70%) of covered individuals residing in a rural service area live within fifteen (15) miles of a retail pharmacy participating in the PBM's retail pharmacy network; and

6. At least seventy percent (70%) of covered individuals residing in a rural service area live within eighteen (18) miles of a retail pharmacy designated as a preferred participating pharmacy in the PBM's retail pharmacy network.

B. Mail-order pharmacies shall not be used to meet access standards for retail pharmacy networks.

C. Pharmacy benefits managers shall not require patients to use pharmacies that are directly or indirectly owned by the pharmacy benefits manager, including all regular prescriptions, refills or specialty drugs regardless of day supply.

D. Pharmacy benefits managers shall not in any manner on any material, including but not limited to mail and ID cards, include the name of any pharmacy, hospital or other providers unless it specifically lists all pharmacies, hospitals and providers participating in the preferred and nonpreferred pharmacy and health networks.

Added by Laws 2019, c. 426, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.


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