Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7118

Introduced
1/15/26  

Caption

Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provides the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

Impact

In conjunction with the identification of high-cost drugs, the bill requires the manufacturers to justify price increases by providing relevant documentation to the office of the attorney general. This accountability measure is designed to curb excessive pricing practices and investigate the motivations behind rising drug costs, which proponents argue will lead to reduced healthcare expenses for consumers as the state seeks to manage its expenditures on prescription medications.

Summary

House Bill 7118, introduced by Representatives J. Lombardi, Hull, Sanchez, Cruz, and Stewart, focuses on enhancing transparency in the pharmaceutical sector within Rhode Island. The bill mandates the state board of pharmacy, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to identify up to fifteen high-cost prescription drugs annually. These drugs must have experienced significant price increases—specifically, a 50% increase over five years or a 15% increase over twelve months. This initiative aims to foster transparency and accountability among drug manufacturers regarding the factors contributing to price escalation.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes transparency, it also raises concerns regarding its potential implications for drug manufacturers and the pharmaceutical market. Critics may argue that increased scrutiny on pricing might disincentivize research and development or lead to reduced investment in new drug innovations. Additionally, questions may arise about the level of burden placed on manufacturers with these reporting requirements, as ensuring compliance can be resource-intensive and may affect smaller companies disproportionately.

Next_steps

The bill includes provisions for the state to amend reimbursement formulas for 340B prescription drugs and mandates the creation of an advisory commission to discuss relevant matters affecting out-of-pocket drug costs. Reports will be generated to inform the general assembly and the governor on the success of these measures, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed and engaged in the ongoing dialogue about prescription costs and healthcare accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5116

Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provide the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

RI H5620

Regulates price increases for prescription drugs.

RI H5632

Requires prescription drug manufacturers to file a detailed, updated list of each pharmaceutical sales representative engaged by the manufacturer and to pay an annual fee for each name listed with the department of business regulation.

RI S0221

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

RI H5429

Provides certain controls over prescription drug costs by imposing transparency, oversight and accountability requirements on commercial insurers and their pharmacy benefit managers.

RI H5254

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacist no less than national drug acquisition costs plus fee.

RI S0222

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacist no less than national drug acquisition costs plus fee.

RI S0486

Establishes a process whereby large drug manufacturers, may be penalized for prescription drug price increases where there is no, or inadequate, new evidence to support the price increase.

RI S0117

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

RI H5463

Sets controls on Medicaid prescription drug costs by imposing transparency and accountability requirements on managed care organizations (MCOs) and their pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

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