Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has allied with attorneys general from 38 other states and territories to urge Congress to change the legislative landscape regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their involvement in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The coalition requests that Congress disallow PBMs and their affiliates from owning or operating pharmacies, citing concerns of manipulated drug pricing that negatively impacts patients.
AG Bailey commented, "Pharmacy Benefit Managers were created to reduce drug costs, but they’ve instead abused their position to enrich themselves at the expense of patients. This is legalized profiteering—PBMs are manipulating the system, crushing independent pharmacies, and denying Americans access to affordable, life-saving medications. Congress must confront this corruption head-on and put the needs of patients over corporate greed."
The letter, which was sent last week, outlines how the structure of the pharmaceutical supply chain currently confers PBMs the power to influence pricing, availability, and access across manufacturing, distribution, and retail. The coalition argues that PBM affiliations act against consumer interests. "Prescription decisions are being made in boardrooms that focus on shareholder profits rather than doctors’ offices that prioritize patient care," the letter states.
If Congress heeds this call, a new law prohibiting PBMs or their parent companies from pharmacy ownership could ensure a more balanced market. The hope is to restore patients' access to affordable and essential care while preventing anti-competitive behavior that disadvantages independent pharmacies.
Bailey further added, "Right now, three massive corporations control 80% of the prescription drug market—and they’re using that grip to crush competition, drive up prices, and funnel patients into their pharmacies. This isn’t just bad business—it’s deadly. Missourians are being denied access to life-saving medications, and I won’t stand by while corrupt middlemen put profits over lives. That’s why we’re taking action."
The effort to lobby Congress includes backing from attorneys general across numerous states including Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, and California, extending to Wyoming. The group's letter is accessible for public reading.