N.Y. Governor Signs Anti-Mail Order Bill

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a controversial bill yesterday that prohibits health insurers from requiring policy holders to have their prescriptions filled by mail order.

The retail pharmacy community lobbied for the bill, arguing mandatory mail order limits consumer choice and is anticompetitive to community pharmacy. Cuomo approved the law only after stating some concerns and asking for several amendments that require retail pharmacies to agree in advance to accept the same reimbursement rates and terms that insurers now have with mail-order pharmacies.

Those that opposed the bill have warned that drug prices will rise for consumers and employers in New York. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission said the bill would limit access and raise prescription drug prices.

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