Clear, Practical Pharmacy Law Guidance for Students and Practitioners in New York
The Patient Access to Pharmacy Act (PAPA) is legislation aimed at protecting patient access to community pharmacies across New York by reforming how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) reimburse pharmacies. The bill would establish a fairer and more transparent “cost-plus” reimbursement model to stop PBMs from paying pharmacies below the cost of acquiring and dispensing medications, helping independent and neighborhood pharmacies remain open and continue serving patients. PAPA has earned overwhelming bipartisan support in the New York State Assembly, with 112 Assembly Member sponsors backing the bill, yet despite this strong support, it still has not been called to the Assembly floor for a vote. With pharmacies continuing to close across the state and the legislative session running out of time, supporters are confused as to why the bill still sits stagnant in the Assembly. Lawmakers must act now before more patients lose access to their local pharmacy care.
The Breaking Up Monopolies in Pharmacy Act (#BUMP), Assembly Bill A6546 sponsored by Phil Steck and Senate Bill S9222 sponsored by Sean Ryan, would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning, operating, or controlling pharmacies in New York. By separating PBMs from pharmacy ownership, the legislation aims to eliminate major conflicts of interest that allow PBMs to steer patients toward their own pharmacies while disadvantaging independent and community pharmacies. The bill would promote fair competition, protect patient choice, and help ensure that patients can continue accessing trusted local pharmacies without interference from vertically integrated healthcare monopolies. #BUMP is a critical step toward lowering healthcare costs, increasing transparency, and preserving access to pharmacy care across New York State.