Yesterday, the National Association of Attorneys General sent, on behalf of a bipartisan coalition of 39 state and territory attorneys general, a letter urging congressional leadership to pass "an act prohibiting PBMs, their parent companies, or affiliates from owning or operating pharmacies."
In the letter the attorneys general state that PBMs use their intermediary role to disadvantage independent pharmacies, forcing them to accept confusing, unfair, arbitrary, and harmful contractual terms. Further, it states that PBMs have used vertical integration with pharmacies, insurance companies, and others to "control every step of the prescription, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and dispensing process."
"The control of the pharmaceutical ecosystem by PBMs has resulted in decreased access, affordability, and choice for many Americans seeking prescription healthcare. Congressional action is warranted to restore a free market and protect consumers and small businesses," the attorneys general wrote.
You can read the letter here.