Missouri prescription access bill becomes law

A bill that will ensure Missourians can access essential medications in their communities, rather than being forced to travel long distances, is now a law.

The Missouri Primary Care Association says SB 751 by easing restrictive contract pharmacy measures imposed during COVID by Big Pharma, this bill empowers safety net healthcare providers to fulfill their mission of delivering vital services where they are most needed.

Karen White, CEO of MO Highlands Health Center in Poplar Bluff, emphasized the significance of SB 751, “Without the 340b program, access to crucial women’s health services not just in the seven counties we serve, but throughout under- served areas in the state could be severely compromised. Many of our patients must travel hours each way to access affordable prescriptions due to existing restrictions. This legislation ensures that patients can receive medications close to home, through local pharmacies in their own community.”

Missouri Governor Mike Parson did not actually sign the bill into law but he also did not veto it, allowing it to go into law.

Parson says “While I believe the 340B program-as well as Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 751-is flawed, I understand the desire to ensure patients have access to discounted medications, particularly in rural areas where access is already a barrier to care. I am concerned about the impact of the 340B program expansion facilitated through this legislation.”

He cites requirements for cost savings to be passed onto patients and further lacks transparency as to how cost savings are used. “Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 751 fails to address those concerns, but places strict restrictions on pharmaceutical manufacturers’ ability to deny, restrict, or prohibit the acquisition of 340B-priced drugs by pharmacies that are contracted with or authorized by covered entities under the program.”