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SB 478 · 2026 · Senate · Health and Human Services Committee

Prescription drug affordability reforms

AI-generated

relative to strengthening prescription drug affordability and pharmacy benefits manager accountability.

Regulates prescription drug costs by banning spread pricing, requiring pass-through pricing, directing manufacturer rebates toward lowering premiums or point-of-sale costs, banning retroactive fees on clean claims, requiring timely access to pricing lists, and permitting audits.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (Senate) · March 12, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕Senate
  3. House
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill regulates prescription drug costs and increases transparency and accountability by banning spread pricing, adopting pass through pricing, and ensuring all manufacturer rebates go toward lowering premiums or point-of sale costs. The bill also bans retroactive fees on clean claims, requires timely access to pricing lists, allows audits to prevent misuse, and prioritizes lowest net cost drugs.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Sen. Tim McGoughRPrime
  • Sen. Bill GannonRChair· Judiciary
  • Sen. Cindy RosenwaldDDeputy Democratic Leader
  • Sen. Howard PearlRChair· Executive Departments and Administration
  • Sen. Regina BirdsellRMajority Leader
  • Sen. Daniel InnisRChair, Majority Policy Conference
  • Rep. Wayne MacDonaldRChair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
  • Rep. John PotucekRVice Chair· Commerce and Consumer Affairs
  • Rep. Brian ColeRVice Chair· Housing

Also: Rep. Julie MilesR, Rep. Lilli WalshR

Public testimony

No one submitted online testimony on this bill. See the record

Hearings

  • 2026-01-219:00 amSenate Health and Human ServicesSH 100Public hearing

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026SenIntroduced 01/07/2026 and Referred to Health and Human Services; SJ 1
  2. Jan 21, 2026SenHearing: 01/21/2026, Room 100, SH, 01:45 pm; SC 2
  3. Mar 12, 2026Sen: Referred to Interim Study, 03/12/2026; Vote 4-1; CC; SC 9
  4. Mar 12, 2026SenSB 478 was Removed from the Consent Calendar; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  5. Mar 12, 2026SenSen. Rochefort Moved Laid on Table, MA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
  6. Mar 12, 2026SenPending Motion Interim Study; 03/12/2026; SJ 6

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

  • Introducedversion

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.