1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

CVS's decision to drop Zepbound from its preferred formulary raises concerns about patient access to a potentially life-changing weight loss medication. While pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark play a role in managing costs, their formulary decisions can significantly impact treatment options and outcomes for patients. Prioritizing drugs based on rebates and discounts rather than clinical efficacy does a disservice to those seeking effective therapies for chronic conditions like obesity. We must advocate for policies that put patients first and ensure access to clinically proven medications like Zepbound. Overly restrictive formularies driven by financial incentives, rather than medical necessity, undermine quality care and fuel skepticism towards a system that should prioritize health over profits. Patients deserve affordable access to the treatments their providers deem most appropriate for their individual needs, free from undue influence from corporate middlemen. Addressing the unchecked power of PBMs is crucial to realigning incentives and upholding ethical standards in healthcare delivery.