💊 CVS Throws Tantrum & Threatens Breakup, Congress Discovers PBMs Are Bad Actually, UnitedHealth Channels Inner Mob Boss

Hey all,

Happy Monday! Health insurance conglomerates are shocked to discover that the usual delay tactics and buzzword-laden “solutions” aren’t cutting it anymore. Apparently, sky-high premiums and opaque pharmacy benefit schemes don’t scream “efficiency” to lawmakers or the public. With real legislative reform on the table, the industry might actually have to try something radical—like transparency. Enjoy the rundown!

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroRX)

(Healthcare Brew) CVS Threatens Arkansas Closures Amid PBM Law

CVS is considering shutting down 23 pharmacies in Arkansas after the state passed a law banning companies from both owning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and operating pharmacies, potentially opening the market to competitors like Walmart, Walgreens, and Amazon. With major pharmacy chains already holding strong footholds in Arkansas and online players expanding services, experts suggest the closures could revitalize independent pharmacies and shift market dynamics if other states follow Arkansas’s regulatory lead. But yes, we’re deeply concerned—how will Arkansans survive without CVS when there are only 120 Walmarts to choose from? Full Article

(HME News) PBM Reform Legislation Reintroduced

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced the “PBM Reform Act” in the House, aiming to overhaul how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate across Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and employer-sponsored plans. The legislation packages four major bills to boost transparency, end spread pricing, and ensure fair pharmacy reimbursements—responding to growing concerns over PBM practices that critics say harm patients and independent pharmacies. Of course, expect PBMs to spin their price hikes as “cost-saving innovations” with the usual smoke, mirrors, and a well-funded PR team. Full Article 

(The New York Times) UnitedHealth’s Campaign to Silence Critics

UnitedHealth has increasingly wielded defamation threats and legal action to quash criticism, citing the 2023 murder of a top executive as a rationale for pressuring journalists, filmmakers, doctors, and even investors into silence. As the company faces growing federal scrutiny over billing practices and patient care denials, critics say its tactics resemble intimidation more than reputation management. At this point, the only thing missing is cement shoes—but hey, let’s not give them any ideas (or reasons to sue). Full Article