April 17, 2025
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined dozens of colleagues this week to ask congressional leaders to approve new regulations on pharmacy benefit managers.
Specifically, the 39 attorneys general called on the four legislative leaders to consider a plan to prohibit PBMs from owning or operating pharmacies.
They noted that PBMs’ affiliated pharmacies are major players in the market, representing three of the top five largest pharmacies in the United States by revenue. Additionally, the letter said PBMs also contract with non-affiliated pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, to create pharmacy networks that control where their members can get their drugs and at what prices.
“The passage of such a law would foster competition in the marketplace and give consumers more access to pharmaceutical care, more choice as to their healthcare providers, and more affordable prices,” the attorneys general said.
Sean Stephenson, senior director of state affairs for the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, said that employers and health plan sponsors choose their PBM and choose their pharmacy network options, and all options should remain available for them so they can offer affordable and effective coverage.
“PBM-affiliated pharmacies are providing patients with access to medications, and offering convenient, affordable home delivery options,” he said in a statement. “PBM specialty pharmacies can also be an essential part of treatment for patients with complex conditions. Any policy designed to disallow PBM pharmacy affiliations is a serious risk to patient safety, and ability to afford their medications.”
President Donald Trump unveiled a wide-ranging executive order on Tuesday that aims to lower drug prices, including increasing transparency into fees charged by PBMs.