Miller-Meeks, Oskaloosa Pharmacist Call for Passage of Key PBM Reforms
Washington, D.C. — In a bipartisan, bicameral press conference held in front of the U.S. Capitol, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) called for urgent action on Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms, including the passage of her DRUG Act. This critical legislation, introduced by Dr. Miller-Meeks, aims to ban harmful practices like spread pricing that inflate prescription drug costs and undermine independently-owned pharmacies across Iowa.
Joining Dr. Miller-Meeks was John Nicholson, owner of Mahaska Drug, an independent pharmacy based in Oskaloosa.
Dr. Miller-Meeks' full remarks can be viewed HERE.
Background: H.R. 6283 – DRUG Act
• Bans ‘spread pricing,’ when a PBM charges the health plan more than they paid for a medicine;
• Prohibits PBMs from paying affiliated pharmacies more than independent community pharmacies for the same services; and
• Bans ‘patient steering,’ when a PBM encourages or requires patients to use its affiliated pharmacies instead of a pharmacy that is most convenient for them.
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