CVS-Aetna Merger Proposal Emblematic of Growing Arms Race to Consolidate, Control Consumer Access to Health Care, Prescription Drugs
"The proposed CVS Health-Aetna merger is emblematic of the growing arms race to consolidate and control consumers' access to prescription drugs," warned
Yesterday, press reports highlighted Amazon's move into the wholesale pharmacy business. Earlier this week, health insurer Anthem announced it will launch its own "in house" pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to be administered by CVS Health. "These developments – in addition to the proposed CVS Health-Aetna proposal – provide continuing evidence that the bigger players intend to get even bigger, with consumers and caregivers closest to consumers being the big losers," Rosenbloom said.
"By their very design and intent, these new relationships -- as well as the proposed mergers -- are a shell game premised upon keeping consumers, providers, lawmakers and regulators alike in the dark about the operational details and costs associated with each link in the drug distribution chain," Rosenbloom continued.
During a
"I have yet to figure out where [the money] goes," Alexander said. For her part, Murkowski said, "Even those of us that are listening to you as supposed experts, it's all Greek, and we're not doing anything to help the consumer." (STAT 10/17/17)
At the hearing, it was noted that payments drug manufacturers make to PBMs top
Concluded Rosenbloom: "Further merger and acquisition activities, rapidly accelerating vertical and horizontal integration and growing secrecy threaten the nation's commitment to free and fair markets.
The SCPC is the national association for independent LTC pharmacies. Our member pharmacies provide care and services to patients in LTC facilities across the country occupying approximately 675,000 beds. Visit us at www.seniorcarepharmacies.org to learn more.
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