Starting Wednesday, independently owned pharmacies in Alabama will be reimbursed more money for some of the drugs they provide customers.

While advocates for the new pharmacy reimbursement law say consumers shouldn’t notice any changes at the register, one insurer says some customers could see their out-of-pocket costs increase.

One of the most significant items of the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 252 says pharmacy benefit managers can’t reimburse independent pharmacies less than the amount paid by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. That currently includes the average cost of the drug and a $10.64 per-prescription dispensing fee.

Pharmacy benefit managers are third-party groups that negotiate drug prices for insurers and enter into contracts with pharmacies. While stores have not b

See Full Page