FTC to investigate the Impact of Middlemen on Prescription Drug Prices

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Additionally, the FTC noted that the largest pharmacy benefit managers are vertically integrated with the largest health insurance companies and wholly-owned mail orders and specialty pharmacies.

It is conducting an investigation to determine the following:

  • fees and clawbacks charged to unaffiliated pharmacies;
  • methods to steer patients towards pharmacy benefit manager-owned pharmacies;
  • potentially unfair audits of independent pharmacies;
  • complicated and opaque methods to determine pharmacy reimbursement;
  • the prevalence of prior authorizations and other administrative restriction
  • the use of specialty drug lists and surrounding specialty drug policies;
  • the impact of rebates and fees from drug manufacturers on formulary design and the costs of prescription drugs to payers and patients.

In a statement, FTC Chairman Lina Khan said, “Although many people have never heard of pharmacy benefit managers, these powerful middlemen have enormous influence over the U.S. prescription drug system. This study will shine a light on these companies’ practices and their impact on pharmacies, payers, doctors, and patients.”