NASP Provides FTC Comments on PBM Business Practices and Impact on Pharmacies and Consumers

On May 25, 2022, the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) provided comments in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s Request for Information (RFI), Solicitation for Public Comments on the Business Practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Their Impact on Independent Pharmacies and Consumers.

NASP urged the FTC to carefully evaluate the comments it will receive and to proceed with a study on certain contractual provisions, reimbursement adjustments, and other practices that disadvantage specialty pharmacies that are not otherwise owned by or affiliated with PBMs and health plans, and negatively impact market competition and patient access to the specialty pharmacy of their choice.

“There must be oversight over anti-market practices that are gravely limiting patient access to specialty pharmacies today,” said NASP President and CEO, Sheila M. Arquette, R. Ph. “Policymakers and federal agencies also need recommendations and guidance from the FTC on areas for legislative and regulatory intervention that may be outside of the FTC’s authority but that must be addressed to ensure market competitiveness and fairness. The impact on pharmacy access for patients and cost to the overall health care system as vertical integration persists is dire.”

To view the comment submission, click here.