Episode 139: Navigating PBM State Policy Changes in Tennessee with Kendra Gipson

In this episode of LIWP's Healthcare Highway, Ryan Olmstead of Catalyst for Payment Reform speaks with Kendra Gipson, Director, Vendor Services & Contracts at State of Tennessee. Kendra oversees health plans for over 300,000 employees, and in this engaging conversation, she delves into the impact of recent pharmacy and PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) bills being considered at the Tennessee State House. Kendra provides an insightful overview of two pivotal bills making their way through the legislature: one involving the use of 340B drug pricing programs and another focusing on alternative funding plans for prescription drugs. These legislative changes could significantly affect the state’s ability to manage healthcare costs and offer meaningful savings to both the state and its members. She also highlights the financial ramifications of recent laws impacting low-volume pharmacies and member cost-sharing accumulators.