1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act is a much-needed piece of legislation that aims to address the concerning monopolistic practices of large healthcare conglomerates. By prohibiting the joint ownership of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies, this bill tackles a blatant conflict of interest that has enabled these companies to enrich themselves at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies. The vertically integrated structure of these healthcare giants, where they own both the PBM that pays for pharmacy services and the pharmacy chains that provide those services, has resulted in higher drug costs for consumers, fewer choices, and the closure of independent pharmacies. This inherent conflict of interest goes against the principles of fair competition and prioritizes corporate profits over patient well-being. The proposed legislation would mandate the divestiture of pharmacy businesses from PBMs and health insurers, enabling regulatory bodies to issue orders and enforce compliance. Furthermore, it would require transparent reporting of divestitures and empower the Federal Trade Commission to review subsequent acquisitions, ensuring that competition and the public interest are protected. I urge you to support the Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act, as it represents a crucial step towards restoring balance, fairness, and affordability in the pharmaceutical industry. By breaking up these anticompetitive arrangements, we can protect consumers from exorbitant drug costs, preserve patient choice, and safeguard the viability of independent community pharmacies. This bipartisan legislation prioritizes the well-being of patients over corporate greed, and it is imperative that we take action to curb the unchecked power of these healthcare monopolies.