About PBMs

The PBM industry originally existed to help manage prescription drug costs and benefits overall. Today, PBMs are turning potential prescription drug savings into profits for themselves—the highest rates of profit across the entire prescription drug supply chain. Three major PBM companies have taken control of the market, and are listed on the Fortune 25 list. They are ranked higher than the drug manufacturers whose prices they had promised to control.

​

It’s no coincidence that PBM profits are increasing while out-of-pocket drug costs are rising, particularly for vulnerable patient populations. As PBMs are facing increased scrutiny among legislators and regulators, more and more data is coming to light. See below for more on the ways PBMs profit, their role in the drug pricing system, what experts are saying, and more.