Doggett Statement on New GAO Report on Insurer-Owned Pharmacies

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, released the following statement after a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report he requested found that large health insurers often give their own pharmacies better terms on lower-cost generic drugs:

"There is a real danger that consumers and taxpayers are being ripped off by giant health conglomerates. Three insurer-pharmacy benefit managers control 80% of prescription drug claims. This report is the first detailed study of these insurer-pharmacy contracts and exposes frequent preferential treatment for insurer-owned pharmacies. Americans are struggling with higher and higher costs for medications and other care. Congress must act to restrain health care monopolies and oligopolies."

The GAO report can be found here.

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