Lawmakers in Virginia have introduced the Save Local Pharmacies Act, which aims to realign the state's Medicaid pharmacy benefit under a single pharmacy benefits manager. Independent pharmacies, particularly in rural areas, are struggling due to low reimbursement rates, according to The Virginia Mercury. The legislation, SB 875, would remove multiple PBMs to increase accountability and cost efficiency. Lawmakers are optimistic about the bill's potential to save Virginia about $39 million annually and address the issue of pharmacy deserts in the state.
A project to restore several acres of wetlands will go before Virginia Beach city council.Preview: Credit reports will no longer include medical debt for Virginians. The new rule was finalized by the Biden administration Tuesday. It will take effect nationwide in March and will take off around 49-billion dollars worth of medical bills from the credit reports of about 15 million Americans.
Girl Scout cookie season is ramping up in Virginia but two flavors are making their final run in 2025. The organization says after nine years on the market, S'mores will be retired while the final sales of Toast-Yay! cookies will be made after only four years. Girl Scouts of America says this is the first time it's warning customers that flavors are being discontinued so they can stock up before they're gone for good. All cookies will be available for sale at booths or online through local chapters. Girl Scout cookie season runs through April.