Letter to the Editor - Focus on PBMs, not negotiating drug prices

Dear editor,

I’m not too thrilled about the recent announcement by the White House that they are moving forward on setting Medicare prices for 10 prescription drugs. This is an unapologetically partisan move by the Biden administration and it could have long-lasting, negative implications for patients like me.

I understand the intent is to lower prescription costs, but this is the wrong way to do it. Prescription price-setting policies could limit access to many drugs available today while at the same time chipping away at the funding and resources scientists need to develop new medications and treatments for a wide range of diseases.

Instead of celebrating this foolhardy move, lawmakers in Congress should come together to pass bipartisan reform that will reduce the cost burdens on patients, particularly out-of-pocket prescription expenses. They can do that by reforming Pharmacy Benefit Managers and the harmful impact they have on patients in Montana and nationwide.

PBMs are the insurer-owned groups that work between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. PBM policies like prior authorization and pharmacy “steering” create delays and access barriers for patients simply trying to get the physician-prescribed treatments and therapies they need to live a healthier life. Congress should pass PBM reform legislation like Senator Tester’s Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act. This bipartisan bill would go a long way in holding PBMs more accountable and reducing the high out-of-pocket costs current PBM policies lead to. With the support of Montana’s federal lawmakers, Congress should pass this bill without delay.

Allan Smith

Havre