Advocating for more affordable prescription medicine: Letter to DFS Superintendent

Update: The Department of Financial Services withdrew this proposal on Oct. 31, 2023.

Senator Helming has contacted Superintendent Adrienne Harris of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to share her concerns and questions about proposed regulations under consideration by DFS that would impose a professional dispensing fee of $10.18 payable by pharmacy benefit managers for prescriptions filled in New York State. 

Senator Helming said in the letter:

"My constituents have reached out to me to share their concerns about this fee, specifically, that it may raise the price they pay for their prescription medicine. This is a concern I share as their State Senator. They are overburdened by the high cost of living in New York State and navigating a seemingly unending affordability crisis. Gas prices remain high. Grocery bills are high. Utility costs are increasing.

"New Yorkers already pay some of the highest health insurance premiums in the country. While I understand this proposed dispensing fee would be paid by pharmacy benefit managers, the legitimate concern is that inevitably, these costs will be passed on to our seniors, families and individuals who need and rely on prescription medication in their daily lives."

The letter is attached above.