Senator Mike Bernskoetter

6th Senatorial District

For Immediate Release: 

March 28, 2024

Capitol Building, Room 416

Jefferson City, MO 65101

Contact Kenny Ross: 

 573-751-2076

Welcome Back

Legislative spring break is over and the Senate has reconvened. I am happy to be in the Capitol and back to work for Missourians. 

This week the Insurance and Banking Committee heard my Senate Bill 843. This bill will combat anti-competitive practices used by pharmacy benefits managers (PBM) that hurt our local pharmacies. First, it will allow patients to choose where they want to go to have their prescriptions filled instead of requiring patients to go to specialty pharmacies or pharmacy chains. Second, it ensures statutes meant to regulate PBMs do not put the same restrictions on all patients. Third, it would keep PBMs from pocketing the difference between what drugs cost and the price pharmacies are allowed to charge. Pharmacies are closing across the state and I think this bill will help level the playing field and allow for a healthier economy. 

My Senate Bill 845 is slated to be taken up by the entire Senate in the coming days. This bill will make severance and termination pay part of the calculations used to determine unemployment insurance. This will help keep funds available for those who truly need them when they lose their job.

I will keep you updated on the progress of legislation as it moves through the Senate Chamber. If you are in Jefferson City, please come by my office, and if you wish to be a witness on any bills, please reach out.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573-751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.