Pharmacy benefit managers deliver on their mission every day to expand access to prescription drugs, saving Americans on average $1,040 per person annually. Last month, three leading pharmacy benefit companies pledged to Sen. Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions — ahead of a recent congressional hearing where major drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk testified on how the company chooses to price popular GLP-1 drugs — that they are committed to facilitating access to these drugs, should Novo Nordisk (and other GLP-1 drug manufacturers) decide to lower the price of certain GLP-1s to $100 or less per patient per month for health plan sponsors.

Few issues in health care have received more attention over the past year than the breakthrough weight loss treatments, GLP-1s. The potential for these medications to help millions of Americans is extremely exciting.

Labor Day is an opportunity to remember and commend the integrity, dignity and contributions of America’s workforce. At its core, the mission of pharmacy benefit companies is centered on supporting American workers — by enabling employers and unions in providing healthcare benefits that include access to affordable prescription drugs, PBMs are supporting their employees and members.

A lot of ink has been spilled on the topic of prescription drug prices and how Congress can address out-of-pocket costs for Americans. Unfortunately, much of the narrative has been shaped by incomplete press reports and over-simplified talking points that wrongly point the finger at pharmacy benefit companies (PBMs).

To achieve a more affordable, higher quality future for our health care system, the policy debate cannot ignore the critical perspective of the employers who collectively sponsor health insurance benefits for 86 percent of employees working in the private sector.

With the recent agreement to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year and the decision not to include provisions targeting pharmacy benefit companies, there is an opportunity to think again before misguided legislation is advanced that would do nothing to lower prescription drug costs for patients.

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) members have long advocated for and implemented new programs to achieve a more equitable health care system.

As we enter the stretch run for 2023, a recent survey from KFF should serve as a stark warning for misguided legislation that purports to lower prescription drugs.

While home during their August recess, members of Congress are likely to hear from constituents about a wide range of challenges they’re facing. At the top of many constituents’ lists will be complaints about the rising price of prescription drugs

The drug pricing debate in Washington has kicked back into high gear, and it is more contentious, convoluted and misguided than ever. Who’s on what team? Whose “turn” is next? And, most importantly, what is in the best interest of patients and taxpayers? These questions may sound rhetorical, but they’re questions that Congress should be asking.