Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) are leading the charge with 12 of their colleagues in urging the FTC to complete its 6(b) investigation into PBMs and requesting a status update on the 18-month investigation. Reflecting on their urgency, the FTC has marched steadily forward with their work while being receptive to NCPA and its members’ input. In April of last year, FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya headlined the NCPA Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, tipping off several subsequent actions by the FTC On July 20, NCPA applauded an FTC vote warning against reliance on outdated studies and statements related to PBMs, which removed a major line of defense for PBM-insurers in litigation, arbitration, and when opposing state and federal reform proposals that push for transparency, a fair playing field, and patient choice. In their letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan, Grassley and Cantwell cited other high-water marks in the push for PBM oversight including the advancement of the PBM Transparency Act, as well as Prescription Drug Pricing for the People Act. “With the FTC’s inquiry reaching its year-and-a-half mark,” they intoned, “we urge the FTC to complete the study without delay. In the interim, we believe it is important to know the status of the study and therefore ask the FTC to issue a progress report.” Read the full press release and read the full letter to Khan and the FTC before heading over to NCPA’s advocacy HQ to read about priority legislation.
And, don’t forget: registration for the 2024 NCPA Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In is now open. Learn more and register today to take the fight to Capitol Hill.
