Starting Oct. 1, health benefit plans that cover prescription insulin drugs will be required to cap the amount of any cost-sharing or co-pay for insulin to $100 for a 30-day supply. Under Act No. 2021-236, the cap is to increase by the percentage change from the previous year in the prescription drug component of the Consumer Price Index. The governor signed the legislation by Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, into law Tuesday, April 20.

PHARMACY LICENSING CHANGES EFFECTIVE JULY 1
A new law streamlining pharmacy exams and licensing takes effect July 1.

Act No. 2021-185  by Sen. Billy Beasley, D-Clayton, and Rep. Paul Lee, R-Dothan, clarifies that the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is the entity that administers pharmacy licensure examinations, eliminates the requirement for two recent notarized photos for pharmacy license applicants and gives the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy authority to set continuing education requirements to maintain a pharmacist license through rulemaking.

The Alabama House approved the legislation April 1, while the Alabama Senate passed it March 2. The governor signed it into law Thursday, April 8.

OTHER PHARMACY LEGISLATION
Further regulation of pharmacy benefit managers effective July 1

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