Federal Trade Commission Intervenes in Prescription Drug Pricing Crisis

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken a bold stance against CVS Health and several other pharmacies, accusing them of being 'gatekeepers' that contribute to exorbitant insulin prices. With the joint administration of 80% of prescriptions by three major price benefit managers, this lawsuit aims to address the escalating costs of essential medications and hold pharmacies accountable for their role. The FTC's move is backed by significant support from key Democratic figures, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, highlighting a pivotal moment in health policy and prescription drug accessibility.

FTC's Lawsuit Against Pharmacies

This legal action by the FTC represents a critical inflection point in the fight against high prescription drug prices. The three price benefit managers targeted are integral to managing drug costs, and their practices have come under fire as part of broader efforts to ensure equitable access to medications for all Americans.

Key Players in Prescription Drug Pricing

• CVS Health
• Eli Lilly - known for diabetes medications
• Sanofi - another key player in the diabetes medication market
• Express Scripts - a major pharmacy benefit manager

The Role of Legislation

The current administration is looking at various health policies to change how prescription medication pricing is handled across the nation, focusing on reducing the burden on consumers struggling with high costs.