Bipartisan bill aims to lower prescription drug costs

A new bill called the "Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act" aims to change how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) operate to help lower drug costs for patients. A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced the bill on Tuesday. They believe the current system pushes PBMs to favor more expensive medications, driving up costs for everyone. The bill is led by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Iowa. It would require PBMs to charge a flat fee for their services instead of a percentage of the drug price. This change is meant to reduce their profits from high-cost drugs. Miller-Meeks highlighted that many local pharmacies are closing due to the actions of PBMs, impacting access to medications. According to the Iowa Pharmacy Association, the complicated reimbursement methods used by PBMs often underpay pharmacies. This situation has contributed to the closure of over 2,300 pharmacies nationwide, including 29 in Iowa last year. The three largest PBMs now manage nearly 80% of all prescriptions in the U.S., consolidating their influence. The bill's sponsors argue that reforms will make the system more competitive and affordable. They believe PBMs lead to high drug prices by steering patients toward more profitable drugs that may not be the best options for them. Other supporters of the bill emphasized the need to lower costs for vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals and seniors who rely on essential medications. The legislators hope the DRUG Act will bring better access to affordable prescription drugs and improve health care for American families.