VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Senator Aaron Rouse today applauded Governor Abigail Spanberger for signing SB669 into law, a major step forward in protecting Virginia families from rising prescription drug costs and increasing affordability across the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 669, patroned by Senator Rouse, targets predatory practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which are third party middlemen in the prescription drug supply chain, who have contributed to skyrocketing medication costs for patients.
“Today is a big win for working families across Virginia,” said Senator Rouse. “For too long, predatory middlemen have driven up the cost of lifesaving medications, putting unnecessary financial strain on families already dealing with rising costs. SB669 puts patients first by bringing accountability and transparency to a system that has gone unchecked for far too long.”
The legislation, which passed the Virginia General Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support, reflects a shared commitment to tackling one of the most pressing affordability challenges facing Virginians. By reining in PBMs, SB669 aims to ensure that consumers pay fair prices for the prescriptions they depend on.
SB669 also builds on the momentum of the “Save Local Pharmacies Act” which was signed into law last year. That landmark legislation consolidates Medicaid pharmacy benefits under a single, state contracted pharmacy benefit manager, increasing transparency and cutting costs, with expected savings of $39 million annually. The reform is designed to improve accountability, lower costs, and help independent pharmacies stay afloat.
Governor Abigail Spanberger made cracking down on PBMs a cornerstone of her “Affordable Virginia Agenda”, emphasizing the need to hold these entities accountable for inflating drug prices. With the signing of SB669, that commitment is now law.
“Governor Spanberger made it clear that lowering costs for Virginians would be a top priority, and today she delivered,” Rouse added. “This law is about transparency and making sure no Virginian has to choose between paying for their medication and putting food on the table.”
SB669 represents a significant step toward improving healthcare affordability and protecting consumers from hidden fees and price manipulation within the pharmaceutical system, while reinforcing Virginia’s broader efforts to support local pharmacies and strengthen access to care in communities across the Commonwealth.
