#212 A Sickness or a Cure for High Drug Prices? Why PBMs Are Under the Antitrust Microscope

Drug prices are top of mind for numerous patients, legislators, policy experts, and antitrust enforcers these days. But what role do pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play in determining the price and availability of drugs at the pharmacy counter, and why do PBMs find themselves in the middle of an FTC market study looking into their business practices? Join Alicia Downey and Jeny Maier as they talk with Dr. Erin Trish, an economist and health policy expert, about the evolution of PBMs and the current antitrust inquiries they are facing. Listen to this episode if you want to learn more about what goes into the price that you pay for your prescription. With special guest: Dr. Erin Trish, Co-Director, Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California Related Links: USC Schaeffer Center Research on the Pharmaceutical Distribution Chain USC Schaeffer Center Public Comments to FTC on PBMs Who Is Really Driving Up Insulin Costs? (April 18, 2022) Testimony Before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation on Bringing Transparency and Accountability to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (February 16, 2023) Livestream Video of Senate Committee Hearing Hosted by: Alicia Downey, Downey Law LLC and Jeny Maier, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP