States are increasingly targeting PBMs, as media scrutiny of PBM practices intensifies and PBMs respond with legal action. Arkansas, for example, has sought relief from drug pass-through pricing, prompting PBMs to challenge state laws restricting their ownership of retail pharmacies.
The article notes: “Large pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx are increasingly being blamed for higher drug prices and the outsize role they play in the pharmaceutical supply chain.” This PBM model intertwines the supply chain and acquisition agreements, making reforms potentially expensive. Another complication relates to how PBMs reimburse pharmacies, particularly when they own those pharmacies.
This article provides a brief look at the evolving pharmacy market, which is expected to face greater changes ahead—especially as public awareness grows leading up to the 2026 mid-terms.
PBMs fight back against state restrictions
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