Health Policy Rollup: State Action We’re Watching in February 2025
Here are the bills we’re watching this month.
Gender-Affirming Care Ban in Kansas
On February 11, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (D) vetoed SB 63, a Republican-backed bill that sought to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Governor Kelly criticized the bill for interfering with parental rights and medical decisions, Despite the veto, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature possesses the supermajority required to override it. If the override is successful, Kansas will join at least 26 other states that have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.
New Prescription Drug Advisory Boards in Several States
Several states have introduced legislation to establish Prescription Drug Advisory Boards. In the past few weeks we’ve seen introductions in: Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Michigan. This will continue to be a trending issue that we’ll keep close watch on this session.
Private Equity Oversight in Connecticut and New York
Connecticut and New York Governors are leading efforts in their respective states to enhance oversight and provide their Attorneys General with more authority to review and investigate healthcare transactions involving private equity. In Connecticut, Governor Lamont has issued his support for a number of measures, including SB 261, SB 469, SB 837, and SB 6570. In New York, Governor Hochul included in the executive budget proposal enhanced regulatory review of healthcare transactions, inclusive of a cost market impact review and annual reporting requirements.
Multiple Health Policy Bills of Interest in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the House has already passed measures to extend Medicaid presumptive eligibility for pregnant women (HB 662), increase transparency requirements on PBMs (HB 1123), and reform certificate of need requirements by exempting a litany of services and facilities (HB 922). It’s likely that at least CON reform and Medicaid presumptive eligibility will receive significant consideration for passage in the Senate.
340B Legislation in Several States
Legislation reforming 340B continues to be a hot topic in the states with several legislatures taking action this month. In early February, the Indiana Senate passed SB 118, requiring transparency of 340B entities. The bill is now pending in the House. The Kentucky Senate has also passed a 340B measure, KY SB 14, requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to extend 340B drug pricing to contract pharmacies. Similar legislation advanced through the full Senate last year but was unable to secure a vote in the House. In Nebraska, the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee held a hearing on LB 168, which would require pharmaceutical manufacturers to extend 340B drug pricing to contract pharmacies. The bill is likely to be considered at a later date by the Committee as to whether to advance to the full Chamber for consideration. The same lawmakers attempted to move a similar measure in 2024 to no avail.
Track Health Care Policy
The ever-evolving state health policy landscape will continue to influence how health care organizations make business decisions. MultiState’s team pulls from decades of expertise to help you effectively navigate and engage. MultiState’s team understands the issues, knows the key players and organizations, and we harness that expertise to help our clients effectively navigate and engage on their policy priorities. We offer customized strategic solutions to help you develop and execute a proactive multistate agenda focused on your company’s goals. Learn more about our Health Care Policy Practice.