A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drugs and including applicability provisions.(See SF 383.)

Iowa Senate Study Bill 1074 (SSB1074) was introduced to regulate pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), pharmacies, and prescription drugs. The bill aimed to increase transparency and fairness in how PBMs operate, ensuring that pharmacies and consumers are treated equitably. Key provisions included requiring PBMs to disclose pricing information, prohibiting certain practices that could harm pharmacies or consumers, and establishing guidelines for fair reimbursement rates to pharmacies. The bill was renumbered as Senate File 383 (SF 383) and signed into law on June 11, 2025.

Supporters of the bill, including independent pharmacies and consumer advocacy groups, praised the legislation for promoting transparency and fairness in the pharmaceutical industry. They highlighted that the new regulations would help level the playing field for smaller pharmacies and protect consumers from potentially exploitative practices by PBMs.

Opponents, particularly representatives from PBMs and some insurance companies, argued that the bill could lead to increased administrative costs and potentially higher prescription drug prices. They expressed concerns that the regulations might reduce the flexibility of PBMs to negotiate discounts, ultimately impacting the affordability of medications for consumers.