FTC Takes Legal Action Against Major Pharmacy Benefit Managers Over Price Manipulation
Becker's Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Bill Russell
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the U.S.—CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx—accusing them of practices that restrict competition and drive up drug prices, negatively affecting consumers and healthcare providers. The FTC's complaint details how these PBMs dominate the market, imposing unfair terms on pharmacies and creating barriers that hinder independent pharmacies and limit access to affordable medications. While the PBMs claim their operations help manage drug benefits and reduce costs, the FTC argues that their tactics actually lead to higher healthcare expenses and stifle market innovation.
