BESSEMER, Ala. (April 15)—In a historic step forward for patients and independent pharmacies across the state,
Governor Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 252 into law, enacting the most
significant pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation in Alabama’s
history.
SB 252 was crafted to bring long-overdue transparency to
prescription drug pricing, ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacies, and rein
in abusive PBM practices that have contributed to rising drug costs and the
closure of community pharmacies across the state.
“We applaud Governor Ivey and the members of the legislature
who have made possible this major step forward for healthcare access and
affordability in Alabama,” said Tim Hamrick, CEO of American Pharmacy
Cooperative, Inc. (APCI). “The state has recognized what patients and
pharmacists have known for years: That PBMs have operated in the shadows for
far too long. SB 252 brings those practices into the light and ensures that
Alabamians—not corporate middlemen—come first.”
SB 252 ties independent pharmacy reimbursement in commercial
insurance plans to Alabama Actual Acquisition Cost (AAC)—a transparent,
state-maintained pricing benchmark already used by Alabama Medicaid. The
legislation protects patient access to local pharmacies and ensures that
dispensing fees are paid by PBMs and insurers—and are not passed on to
patients.
The bill passed both legislative chambers without
opposition, with a 33-0 vote in the Senate and a 102-0 vote in the House. Such
bipartisanship is rare in the Alabama legislature and points to the dire need
for PBM reform in the state.
APCI also applauds the tireless work of its members and
partners—including the Alabama Pharmacy Association (APA) and the Alabama
Independent Pharmacy Alliance (AIPA)—for their persistent advocacy throughout
the 2025 legislative session.
“This victory would not have been possible without the
coordinated, grassroots efforts of independent pharmacists across the state who
stood up, spoke out, and stayed engaged,” Hamrick added. “Together, we’ve made
it clear that Alabama won’t tolerate business as usual when it comes to
prescription drug pricing for both patients and independent pharmacy.”
SB 252 has earned the support of healthcare providers, small
business owners, patient advocates, and lawmakers from across the political
spectrum. Passage of the bill puts Alabama among a growing number of states
leading the way in holding PBMs accountable and restoring fairness to the
prescription drug marketplace.
About APCI
American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) is a member-owned
cooperative representing independent pharmacies in 31 states, including
hundreds in Alabama. APCI advocates for fair pharmacy practices, patient
access, and community-based healthcare solutions and is recognized as a leader
in the fight for PBM reform.