(The Center Square) – Pharmacy benefit managers in North Carolina are getting a reminder on the SCRIPT Act, a law with five parts that became effective Jan. 1 in support of community retail pharmacies and improved transparency.
Third-term Republican Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and first-term Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson, through a letter to them, said their respective departments “are focused on promoting a robust, transparent and stable insurance market while also ensuring the safety and fair treatment of North Carolina consumers.”
Elements of the law became effective immediately, and there is still a Jan. 1, 2027, portion.
The SCRIPT Act, as Senate Bill 479 is known, allows any pharmacy to participate in their network and allows patients to use the pharmacy of their choice. Savings negotiated with drugmakers are to be passed on to the patients.
The Insurance Department will get annual reports about prescription drug benefits, reimbursements and other information. The General Assembly’s law, in this manner, is expected to ensure transparency.
Independent pharmacies are also to be more fairly reimbursed.
Regulatory and enforcement authority are enhanced through the Insurance Department. Enforcement of the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act is additionally authorized to the Department of Justice.
Jackson said, “Commissioner Causey and I are working together to enforce this new law to ensure fair drug prices in North Carolina. We are prepared to take action on behalf of millions of North Carolinians who need these medications and deserve fair pricing.”
