1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The unchecked consolidation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and vertical integration with pharmacies has enabled these companies to manipulate the system and enrich themselves at the expense of patients, independent pharmacies, and fair competition. This inherent conflict of interest has resulted in higher drug costs, limited patient choice, unsustainable reimbursements for non-affiliated pharmacies, and the widespread closure of independent community pharmacies. The proposed Patients Before Monopolies (PBM) Act seeks to address this issue by prohibiting the joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies, thereby eliminating the gross conflict of interest that allows these healthcare conglomerates to self-deal and steer patients to their own pharmacies while underpaying competitors. This legislation is a much-needed step towards restoring balance, increasing transparency, and prioritizing patient access and affordability over corporate profits in the pharmaceutical industry. I urge swift action to pass this bipartisan bill and rein in the abusive practices of vertically integrated PBMs that have compromised the integrity of our healthcare system.