CVS’s PBM-Pharmacy Combo Again Raises Conflict Concerns
As soon as drugstore chain CVS agreed to buy pharmacy-benefit manager Caremark Rx back in 2006, critics complained that the combination would create a conflict of interest, and potentially higher prices, by allowing CVS to use the drug-coverage part of the business to steer patients to its stores.
Executives at the two companies dismissed those concerns at the time. But the issue continues to fester. A trade group for independent pharmacists plans to drop off some evidence at the Federal Trade Commission today that CVS Caremark is raising co-pays for some patients in its drug-benefits program who fill prescriptions at other pharmacies. Here’s the WSJ article.
Language from a CVS letter to a patient who was filling prescriptions at a non-CVS pharmacy in Connecticut: “Additional fills at this location would be subject to an increased copay. However, when you call the phone number listed above, we can help you save money with a 90-day prescription through CVS/pharmacy or CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.”
CVS told the WSJ the option to pick up 90-day prescriptions at CVS locations is “consumer friendly,” adding that copay structures are chosen by the company’s health-plan sponsor clients. The company also said it has a strong retail network […]
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