Bipartisan Bill Aims to Force Pharmacy Divestitures

A bipartisan bill led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) aims to require major health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Health, Cigna, and UnitedHealth to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. This legislation, seen as a response to rising drug costs and the diminishing presence of independent pharmacies, highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest where PBMs favor their own pharmacies over competitors. The proposal is backed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, reflecting a growing frustration with the current healthcare landscape. Despite the bill's introduction, analysts suggest it may struggle to advance in the current congressional session. If enacted, this would represent a significant regulatory shift in the pharmacy and healthcare sectors, potentially enhancing market competition and lowering drug prices for consumers.