Republicans and Democrats Unite Against Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have become a rare point of bipartisan agreement in the United States. Both Republicans and Democrats are increasingly critical of these middlemen, accusing them of inflating drug costs and prioritizing corporate profits over patient care.

States like Tennessee and Arkansas are leading legislative efforts to regulate PBMs, including proposals to prevent companies from owning both insurance plans and retail pharmacies. Critics argue the current market is not truly competitive, while PBMs maintain they are essential for lowering overall healthcare costs.