A federal judge on Monday issued a preliminary injunction against an Arkansas law that would have prohibited pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in the state.
U.S. District Judge Brian Miller wrote in the July 28 order that HB1150, set to take effect on Aug. 5, “appears to overtly discriminate against plaintiffs as out of state companies and the state has failed to show that it has no other means to advance its interest.”
Supporters of the Arkansas bill have said it is needed because PBMs are forcing independent drug stores, especially those in rural communities, to close.
CVS Health and Express Scripts separately filed lawsuits in May to overturn the law, arguing it would have consequences for consumers if allowed to take effect….