Allegations Against PBMs
The FTC filed lawsuits against Optum Rx, , and , accusing them of inflating insulin prices and prioritizing high rebates from drug manufacturers, leading to higher costs for patients.
The lawsuit targets the complex rebate system of these PBMs, alleging it has excluded lower-priced insulins in favor of higher-priced ones, thereby forcing patients to pay more.
Broader Implications and Responses
The FTC's action aims to end what it describes as exploitative conduct by the three PBMs, potentially driving down drug prices and restoring competition.
Express Scripts has filed a lawsuit against the FTC, demanding the retraction of a July report that criticized PBMs, claiming the report was unfair and biased.