For the millions of patients who, like me, rely on taking prescription medications regularly, the so-called business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) can undermine access and increase out-of-pocket costs. It is time for Congress to protect patients by passing legislation to address the harmful impact PBM policies have on access and affordability.
Lawmakers in Washington have been discussing and debating this issue long enough — Montanans and all Americans need action. I’m grateful to Sen. Jon Tester for all his work to push for commonsense PBM reforms this legislative session, and hopeful he and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle will help pass PBM reform legislation before the end of the year.
There needs to be greater transparency into and accountability over the PBM practices that lead to higher cost burdens and reduced access for patients. That includes policies that link PBM compensation to the price of prescription drugs, which incentivizes them to push health care plans and patients into purchasing higher-cost medications and treatments.
That is why patients in Montana and across the country need Congress to pass PBM reform legislation like Sen. Tester’s Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Act and also the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act before the end of the year. Many of us cannot afford to go another year without sensible PBM reform that protects patients.
Valerie Scott
Billings
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