The New York Times published a major article today described as “the first article in a series about how pharmacy benefit managers prioritize their interests, often at the expense of patients, employers and taxpayers.”
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said this of the article:
“For government leaders this is a must-read and must-act article. It is extremely powerful, and compelling, in terms of its content and thoroughness. It describes in remarkably clear terms the devastating effects of PBM tactics on people and on the pharmacies that people rely on.
“Leaders in federal and state governments alike need to do their part to bring about comprehensive PBM reform. Only if the federal and state governments do their respective parts will reform prevent ‘pharmaceutical benefit manipulation’ across all markets – Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial.
“While federal and state actions both are crucial, at this particular time a special message must be sent to and received by the U.S. Congress. PBM reform legislation is must-pass legislation now – in the 118th Congress. Congress already has done the hard work to craft and to reach bipartisan consensus on vital reforms that can and must be enacted this year. The Congress simply cannot allow harmful PBM tactics to run roughshod over the American people and their pharmacies – while the PBMs profit grossly.”
