network pharmacy contract terms and conditions, current prescription drug plan and network pharmacy contracting practices, whether pharmacy reimbursement and dispensing fees under this part cover pharmacy ingredient and operational costs, areas in current regulations or program guidance related to contracting between prescription drug plans and network pharmacies requiring clarification or additional specificity, factors for consideration in determining the reasonableness and relevance of contract terms and conditions between prescription drug plans and network pharmacies, and other issues determined appropriate by the Secretary. . (b) Treatment of essential retail pharmacies Section 1860D–4(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395w–104(b)(1)(C) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause: (v) Essential retail pharmacies (I) In general For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2028, a PDP sponsor of a prescription drug plan that has preferred pharmacies in its network shall contract with, as preferred pharmacies in such plan’s network, at least— (aa) 80 percent of essential retail pharmacies (as defined in subclause (III)) in such plan’s service area that are independent community pharmacies (as defined in subclause (V)(bb))