The Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act) introduced by U.S. senators and representatives aims to prohibit the combined ownership of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies. The bill requires parent companies of PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. It comes as PBMs face scrutiny for having major power over drug prices and access. The bill has bipartisan support and is endorsed by advocacy groups and healthcare organizations. However, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association has come out against the bill, arguing that limiting access to PBM-affiliated pharmacies could reduce affordable options for patients. The bill is part of ongoing efforts to rein in PBMs’ influence in the healthcare market.
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Senators, Representatives Introduce Bill That Would Ban Joint Ownership of PBMs and Pharmacies
