It often feels like insurers and their so-called “pharmacy benefit managers” care more about protecting their profits than helping patients access the medications they need to fight their conditions. 

These groups intentionally direct patients to higher-cost medications because it means more money for them, while they also use the prescription drug rebates they extract from drug manufacturers to line their pockets instead of passing them down to patients at the pharmacy. 

So, while PBMs are making tons of money, vulnerable patients are getting stuck with higher out-of-pocket costs.

That’s not even mentioning the harm PBMs are causing to our local, community-based pharmacies. These small businesses are often forced to accept unfair contract terms and inadequate reimbursement rates that force them to either turn away patients or take a loss when they fill certain prescriptions. 

Our lawmakers need to take a long, hard look at the ways that PBMs are undermining patient access and the long-term future of independent, community-based pharmacies—and then come together and do something about it. It’s time for reform that holds these insurers and PBMs more accountable and provides patients with any savings they can get, as long as it helps them better manage their prescription drug costs.

Meghan Cahalane
Pittsburgh, PA