Out-of-control prescription drug prices need to be addressed, but the proposed policies in Harrisburg are the wrong approach. Certain legislators are pushing for policies to upend the market by targeting free market forces called pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). 

PBMs help employers of all sizes provide affordable, quality prescription drug benefits by giving them the necessary flexibility and range of options they need. They also apply much-needed downward pressure on Big Pharma companies that continuously engage in anti-competitive practices to keep more affordable alternatives to expensive, brand-name drugs from coming to market. 

Pharmacy benefit companies help encourage greater competition and, through their work, have helped save patients and payers more than $1,000 per person per year. 

 Misguided government mandates being considered include restricting how an employer can design their benefits, such as by banning lower-cost pharmacy options like home delivery, which would only hurt hard-working Pennsylvanians. Home delivery provides convenience to seniors and working individuals who sometimes do not have the time or ability to go to their nearest pharmacy to get their prescriptions delivered at an affordable cost. 

Choices are good, and legislators shouldn’t get to decide how a health plan sponsor can design their prescription drug benefits. 

We need a free-market approach to the prescription drug affordability problem, and government mandates targeting pharmacy benefits would only increase healthcare costs and make it harder for employers to provide quality and affordable health benefits to their employees and families. 

Josephine Ferro
East Stroudsburg, PA
Narrowsburg, NY