Congress Continues to Put Pressure on PBM Industry, Introduces New Bill

By Consumers for Quality Care, on June 30, 2023

The Senate Finance Committee has introduced the Patients Before Middlemen Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) industry, Fierce Healthcare reports.

The legislation aims to prohibit PBMs from linking service fees to drug prices, rebates, discounts, or other fees in their contracts with Medicare Part D plans. Additionally, the bill would require PBMs to repay amounts that exceed the established designated service fees.

Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the bill. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Wyden said the legislation is needed to address the PBM industry, which he says is “driving up the price of prescription drugs” for consumers.

Congress has targeted PBMs this session as lawmakers look for ways to lower the cost of medications. Both the House and the Senate have introduced other bills aimed at reigning in deceptive PBM practices and requiring greater transparency in the industry.  

CQC urges lawmakers and regulators to continue to take a close look at PBM practices that are driving up the cost of prescription medications for consumers.