Time to reform current PBM system

I’m glad some members of Congress are finally looking into the harmful effects Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have on patients, especially when it comes to the out-of-pocket costs that come along with many prescription drugs and treatments. As someone who takes prescription medications on a regular basis, I think it’s way past time for lawmakers to reform the profit-driven practices of PBMs that make it harder for patients to access the critical medications they need. 

Fortunately, the Senate Finance Committee just overwhelmingly passed PBM legislation out of committee so the full Senate can consider it. By a vote of 26–1, lawmakers on the committee passed the Patients Before Middlemen (PBM) Act, which would help bring some much-needed accountability and oversight to PBMs. I’m thankful that Senator Tillis was one of the “yes” votes that helped move this critical legislation forward. 

PBMs have too much control over where and when patients can access their prescriptions—not to mention how much they will end up paying in out-of-pocket costs. It isn’t right that these groups will work with drug manufacturers to secure discounts on prescription medications, only to turn around and pocket those savings instead of passing them down to patients in order to help lower out-of-pocket costs. 

Congress needs to reform PBMs and make sure they’re working for patients, not against them. The PBM Act would help do that. Hopefully Senator Tillis will continue to push for PBM reform when Congress is back in session.

Dr. Jason L. Moir
Lincolnton, NC