03/31/2026
Last week, the Mississippi State House rejected the Senate’s revised PBM reform bill—and they made a key change: the addition of a dispensing fee. House Speaker Jason White on Monday night said legislators were working on a proposal to revive legislation to enhance the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers and may ask Gov. Tate Reeves to call a special legislative session later this week if legislators reach an agreement.
White had already called on Reeves to call a special session to revive talks to pass legislation addressing pharmacy benefit managers. On Monday evening, he said lawmakers were “close” to reaching a new agreement that could prompt a special session within or at the end of the current regular one, which he also said could be as soon as Thursday.
“We’re looking at some alternative language that a large portion of the independent (pharmacies) seem to support,” White said. “So, we’re going to see where we get with that and with our friends at the other end of the building.”
Let that sink in.
This isn’t just about one state. It’s a reminder of how complex—and contested—real reform is when it comes to PBMs.
Independent pharmacies already operate on razor-thin margins. Without meaningful reimbursement structures, including fair dispensing fees, access to care in many communities is at risk.
So what now?
• Advocacy can’t be passive
• Education must continue
• And alignment across stakeholders is critical
Because progress isn’t just about getting a bill introduced—it’s about getting it across the finish line.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just a policy debate.
It’s about protecting patient access, preserving independent pharmacy, and ensuring sustainability for the future.
We’re watching. We’re engaged. And we’re not backing down.
