PCMA Sues to Block Illinois Pharmacy ‘Steering,’ Reporting Law

An Illinois data reporting law that also blocks pharmacy benefit managers from steering patients toward preferred pharmacies violates federal benefits law, according to a complaint the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association filed in federal court.

PCMA sued Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie on Tuesday in the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois, arguing the Illinois Prescription Drug Affordability Act is preempted by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

The lawsuit is the second major case PCMA filed this week, following a complaint over a Tennessee law banning out-of-state pharmacies that are affiliated with PBMs. It’s ...