
The 2025 legislative session ended with drama over a pharmacy benefits managers bill and Governor Landry threatening a special session. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat said PBMs are the middlemen who manage pharmacy benefits.
“They claimed to be the end all to you and your drug store and pharmacist getting your drugs at the cheapest cost,” said Pinsonat. “Well, a lot of people aren’t buying that. They’re saying they’re expensive, they’re an unnecessary addition to the pharmaceutical process.”
The bill prohibits companies from owning both pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacies. It died in the Senate after it was approved by the House on Wednesday. Landry said the legislation will lower prescription drug costs and plans to call a special session so the bill can be approved this year. Pinsonat doesn’t see a special session happening.
“This is a big issue, but it’s primarily inside the capitol with businesses and pharmacists. Outside of that, most people don’t understand it, and I would be shocked if we have a special session just to deal with that.” said Pinsonat.
Despite a social media push from Governor Landry and President Trump, Senate President Cameron Henry said the Senate didn’t feel the need to act on the pharmacy benefits manager bill because it would not take effect until 2027. Landry is talking about a special session this year, but Pinsonat said lawmakers are ready for a break from the state capitol.
“Most I know are headed for vacation,” said Pinsonat. “They’ve been in Baton Rouge for weeks and weeks. They normally schedule vacations with their families, so having a special session any time soon, I’m very doubtful of.”
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