PBM Reform Passes the Legislature, Advances to the Governor’s Desk

• By: IPA
• On: 05/12/2025 19:15:18
• In: Press Releases
• Comments: 0

The Iowa House has passed SF 383, a significant pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform bill, aligning with the Iowa Senate and sending the legislation to Governor Kim Reynolds for final approval.
 
SF 383 aims to curb the harmful practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), entities that negotiate prescription drug pricing between pharmacies and big insurance companies and manage reimbursements, often to the detriment of local pharmacies and patients.
 
“We commend the Iowa House for recognizing the urgent need to address PBM middlemen abuses. This bill is a critical step toward protecting Iowa's local pharmacies and ensuring accountability for PBMs, whose practices have forced Iowa pharmacies to shutter their doors and countless Iowans to lose healthcare access,” said Kate Gainer, CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association.
 
“With states nationwide enacting similar reforms, we're grateful the House and Senate have paved the way for Governor Reynolds to sign this bill and safeguard Iowa's pharmacies and the patients they serve,” said Gainer.
 
In the past decade, over 200 Iowa pharmacies have closed, including more than 30 pharmacies in 2024 alone. SF 383 aims to protect patient choice, level the playing field, and ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies.
 
Learn more about PBM reform and the impact on Iowa pharmacies and patients at patientsfirst.org/Iowa.