State Health Policy Organizations Shaping Healthcare Model Legislation in 2026
Healthcare policy groups including FARB, NAIC, NAMD, NASHP, and NCOIL serve as platforms for state policymakers to collaborate and shape emerging trends. In 2025, multiple organizations adopted model legislation on facility fees and site-neutral payments, with NCOIL passing its Prior Authorization Reform Model Act in November. Groups are now focusing on the Rural Health Transformation Program and 340B oversight for 2026.
Federal Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reforms May Spark State Action
Congress passed comprehensive PBM reforms requiring 100% rebate pass-through to ERISA plans, detailed disclosure requirements, and Medicare Part D compensation limits to bona fide service fees. California and Colorado already adopted delinking practices, while New Jersey and Virginia introduced similar legislation. Ten states have introduced rebate pass-through bills, with federal transparency standards potentially becoming state-level requirements.
Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Legislation Tackled Ownership Restrictions, Transparency, and More in 2025
States enacted significant pharmacy benefit manager reforms in 2025, with Arkansas implementing the nation's first PBM-pharmacy ownership ban despite facing legal challenges. Massachusetts passed comprehensive licensing requirements, while Colorado and California adopted "delinking" laws prohibiting PBM compensation tied to drug prices. Utah mandated rebate pass-through mechanisms. These diverse approaches reflect growing bipartisan momentum toward curbing PBM practices affecting independent pharmacies and drug pricing transparency.
Indiana Drives on Healthcare Reform
Over the past month, arguably no Governor and Legislature have been as proactive in healthcare reform as newly elected Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) and Indiana’s General Assembly. In late January, the Governor issued six executive orders pertaining to healthcare access, affordability and transparency.