ATLANTA – State Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) was recently honored with the Legislative Champions Award by the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA)for his advocacy for independent pharmacies and for the passage of House Bill 196 during the 2025 legislative session.
“I am extremely grateful to receive this recognition from the Georgia Pharmacy Association,” said Rep. Kelley. “Independent pharmacies play a vital role in the health and well-being of our communities, particularly in rural areas across Georgia, where access to healthcare and pharmaceutical services can often be limited. HB 196 ensures a more fair and transparent reimbursement model that helps these local businesses stay viable and continue to serve patients with the care they deserve. I was proud to champion this legislation during the 2025 legislative session and am grateful to Governor Kemp for signing it into law. It’s rewarding to see that work recognized through this meaningful honor.”
“We are incredibly appreciative of the work done by Rep. Kelley on House Bill 196, which will have an impact on all pharmacies in the state and is an important part of keeping these pharmacies open,” said Ben Ross, PharmD, Immediate Past President of the GPhA Board of Directors. “House Bill 196 was not just a win for pharmacists; it was a win for the millions of patients in Georgia whom these independent pharmacies serve. Pharmacists and technicians are a critical part of the health care ecosystem, and we will continue to work to make sure patients get the medications they need.”
HB 196, which was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 14, 2025, strengthens reimbursement practices for pharmacies serving patients under the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) and ensures that pharmacies are reimbursed for prescription drugs based on the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). The bill also requires insurers to provide a professional dispensing fee that is no less than the amount paid by the state under the Social Security Act.
The Georgia Pharmacy Association is an organization that represents, protects, educates and informs pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, student pharmacists and their patients who live and work in the state of Georgia.
HB 196 will take effect on July 1, 2026.
The full text of HB 196 may be found here.
*Editor’s note: a photo is attached.
Representative Trey Kelley represents the citizens of District 16, which includes Polk County, as well as a portion of Paulding County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Health and Ways & Means committees, as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judicial. He also serves on the Code Revision, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Higher Education and Judiciary committees. He is also an Ex-Officio member of the Appropriations Committee.
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