Mid-Atlantic | Spring | 2008 | Health Plan Analysis
Maryland has become one of the first states to pass laws regulating the licensing and transparency of pharmacy benefits managers operating in the state. The bills were supported by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents PBMs. The Maryland General Assembly also considered yet another attempt to legislate a single-payor system for healthcare, but it was defeated. Proponents vow to bring it back in 2009. Medicaid in the District of Columbia has been in turmoil with structural changes to its agency and two lawsuits against former and current managed care organizations. However, the District is looking to the future with new contracts with three MCOs serving some 135,000 beneficiaries. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is launching its Lumenos plan in Virginia. Meanwhile, Aetna is piloting a new partnership with a Utah-based company that bulks up customer service in consumer-driven plans.
