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Senate Health Committee hearing on SB 489
Hello, my name is Matt Walker. I represent the Independent Pharmacy Association and the West Virginia Primary Care Association.
Chairman: Thanks for coming, Matt. If you could raise your right hand, please. Do you swear that the testimony you give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Matt Walker: I do.
Chairman: Thanks for coming. You can give your statement, and then we’ll open it up for questions.
Matt Walker: Sure, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senators. I represent around 200 pharmacies of several different types, including FQHC pharmacies, which are almost all 340B covered entities, as well as about 60 independent pharmacies that are locally owned throughout West Virginia.
Over the years, my members have felt a great need for transparency and oversight for PBMs. This sentiment is shared across the country, as many states are implementing oversight, licensure, and regulations for PBMs due to their significant impact on healthcare. Pharmacy spending is a major item for health plans, whether it’s Medicare, Medicaid, PEIA, or commercial insurance.
