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Published on Friday, March 3, 2023

APhA releases joint statement with the Kentucky Pharmacists Association on congressional PBM investigation

“APhA applauds House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer for launching an investigation into PBMs’ role in rising health care costs. As explained during APhA’s PBM 101 briefing for congressional staff this week, there is already mountains of data from Medicaid and commercial plans on PBMs’ uncompetitive and deceptive trade practices that target patients with chronic conditions, that force them to use PBM-owned specialty and mail order pharmacies rather than their local pharmacy, for Congress to take action. We look forward to working with the committee to restore transparency, accountability, and equity to our nation’s health care marketplace,” said APhA Interim Executive Vice President and CEO Ilisa BG Bernstein, PharmD, JD, FAPhA.

The committee’s investigation calls for documents, communications, and information related to PBM practices that are distorting the pharmaceutical market and limiting high quality care for patients.

PBMs’ actions impact patients. In a recent survey conducted by APhA, 91.5% of pharmacist respondents agreed that PBM practices are negatively affecting their practice and their ability to provide patient care.

“Chair Comer knows firsthand the impact that unchecked PBM business practices have on patients’ access to their community pharmacists and affordable medications. We are fortunate to have Chair Comer’s leadership in Congress to demand PBM reforms in order to decrease prescription drug costs for Kentuckians and patients across the country. Back in 2020, the Kentucky General Assembly made great strides by passing Senate Bill 50, which reformed PBM practices for our state’s managed Medicaid program. KPhA now looks forward to building on this success by working with Chair Comer, APhA, and our other local and national partners in order to hold PBMs accountable and ensure that all Kentuckians truly have affordable, barrier-free access to the medications they need to be healthy,” said Ben Mudd, PharmD, executive director of KPhA.

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