Largest Pharmacy-Benefit Managers Hiked Up Drug Prices, FTC Says

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx—of manipulating drug prices and limiting competition, according to a recent report. PBMs act as intermediaries between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and insurers, managing prescription drug benefits for millions of Americans. However, their opaque business practices and market dominance have raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of medications.