Forbes December 16, 2024
Joshua P. Cohen

Bipartisan legislation introduced last week would bar companies that own pharmacy benefit managers and health insurers from also owning pharmacy businesses.

The two sponsors are Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). They seek to force vertically integrated conglomerates to divest their businesses operating specialty pharmacies within three years. But based on past experiences, it won’t be an easy task.

Since the Sherman Anti-Trust Act was enacted more than 130 years ago, the federal government has only sporadically resorted to breaking up firms that it perceived to be monopolies. And when it did so in recent times, the process moving through the courts was very time-consuming. Moreover, even in the event that the government succeeds in its antitrust actions,...

Today's Sponsors

LEK
ZeOmega

Today's Sponsor

LEK

 
Topics: Congress / White House, Govt Agencies, Pharma, Pharma / Biotech
Mark Cuban: A Master Disrupter for American Healthcare
Despite Trump’s Tough Talk On PBMs, GOP House Lets Them Off The Hook
How has U.S. Spending on Health Care Changed Over Time?
Merck enters $2B licensing deal for weight loss drug
What are pharmacy benefit managers? A health economist explains how lack of competition drives up drug prices

Share This Article