July 9, 2024
New FTC Investigation Report Targets PBMs In its initial report on an antitrust investigation into the role of pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), the competitiveness watchdog Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says PBMs have vast power that disadvantages consumers and independent pharmacies. It reports the following: The major PBM lobbying group pushed back on the findings vigorously. While PBMs need reform and more transparent approaches, I feel the FTC has put the entire onus for high prices and anti-competitive behavior on PBMs and not brand drug makers. The FTC has adopted the same whipping boy mentality as Congress. Additional articles: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/ftc-report-pbms-may-urgently-require-potential-regulation and https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-policy/pharmacy-benefit-managers-pbms-higher-prices-ftc-cvs-cigna-unitehealth and https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4762024-federal-trade-commission-report-pharmacy-middlemen-price-hikes/ (Some articles may require a subscription.) #pbms #drugpricing https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/ftc-pharmacy-benefit-manager-investigation-interim-report/720814 Physician Burnout Declining The portion of physicians who report at least one symptom of burnout has dropped below 50%, the first-time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. #covid #providers #physicians https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/physician-burnout-drops-below-50-first-time-2020-ama-poll-finds Sackler Family May Be Sued By