Courthouse Steps Decision Teleforum: Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

On December 10, 2020, the Supreme Court released its decision in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. By a vote of 8-0, the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit was reversed and the case remanded. Per Justice Sotomayor's opinion for the Court: "Arkansas' Act 900 regulates the price at which pharmacy benefit managers reimburse pharmacies for the cost of drugs covered by prescription-drug plans. The question presented in this case is whether the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 88 Stat. 829, as amended, 29 U. S. C. §1001 et seq., pre-empts Act 900. The Court holds that the Act has neither an impermissible connection with nor reference to ERISA and is therefore not pre-empted." Justice Sotomayor's opinion was joined by all other members of the Court except Justice Barrett, who took no part in the consideration or decision of the case. Justice Thomas filed a concurring opinion.Featuring: -- Anthony G. Provenzano, Member, Miller & Chevalier