A recent development in Arkansas has sparked significant discussion within the pharmacy industry. The state has implemented measures to prevent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies, a move that is drawing attention across the sector. This decision raises broader questions about the structure and regulation of mail-order pharmacy services and their role in the healthcare marketplace.
The policy change, described by some as a “shot heard round the pharmacy world,” addresses concerns about potential conflicts of interest when PBMs both manage prescription drug benefits and operate their own pharmacies. By barring PBM ownership of pharmacies, Arkansas aims to ensure greater transparency and fairness in how medications are distributed and priced. The implications of this decision extend beyond state borders, prompting discussions about whether similar regulations could reshape the mail-order pharmacy landscape on a national scale…