STAT+: House lawmaker probes PBMs for ‘punitive’ audits of independent pharmacies

Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter.A House lawmaker is investigating whether the three largest pharmacy benefit managers targeted independent pharmacies with audits in retaliation for supporting a bill that would require the companies to adjust payments to the retailers. James Comer (R-Ky.), who heads the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, late last week sent letters to CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and Express Scripts, claiming that independent pharmacies “experienced an unusual surge in burdensome audits” after many openly backed the legislation he introduced last year. Called the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, the bipartisan bill would require pharmacy benefit managers participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to fairly reimburse pharmacies for the actual cost of medicines and to pay a reasonable fee for dispensing the drugs. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe