On Wednesday, July 9, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO) – both members of the PBM Accountability Project – hosted a critical discussion on Capitol Hill highlighting the need for PBM reforms.
Stakeholders discussed how PBMs impact employers, patients, and underserved communities as well as new, concerning data that illustrates PBM pricing and access issues.
The discussion featured remarks from several stakeholders, including:
Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA): “PBMs hold substantial influence over independent pharmacies… impacting independent pharmacies' abilities to stay in business and serve their communities…there is a huge need for reforms.”
Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA): “We all want the same thing. We want accessible, affordable, quality healthcare. These issues are bipartisan.”
Dr. Madelaine A. Feldman, CSRO: “PBMs have eroded the doctor-patient relationship…It’s clear that PBMs are increasing out-of-pocket costs for patients and lining their pockets at the expense of patients, employers, and yes, the government.”
Antonio Ciaccia, 3 Axis Advisors: “PBMs may be lowering costs for themselves…but for every other person in the drug chain… they’re increasing costs. When you are price setters and price takers, an obvious conflict of interest arises.”
Amy L. Hinojosa, MANA, A National Latina Organization: “Folks aren’t mad at who they think they are mad at, everyone misses these people in the middle, the PBMs.”
Steve Moore, PharmD, NCPA: “PBMs are negatively impacting my ability to take care of my patients…We are out of time. Congress must pass reforms.”
Watch the full discussion here:
And learn more about PBM policy solutions here.
Comments