NCPA Representative Discusses Role in Influencing PBM Reform

At the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Steve Postal, JD, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, helps independent pharmacies advocate for change in the pharmacy benefits space. While it’s no secret that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) hold an immense amount of power in influencing drug pricing, many legislative vehicles have been put into motion to give some of that power back to smaller pharmacies.

“Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) play a major role in the provision of pharmacy services by acting as the intermediary between pharmacies, plan sponsors (insurance companies and employers), pharmaceutical manufacturers, and drug wholesalers. Over the decades, PBMs have expanded their influence in the pharmaceutical supply chain and now handle claims processing, formularies, pharmacy networks, mail-order pharmacies, and contracting with wholesalers and manufacturers. As their role and visibility have increased, PBMs have come under increased scrutiny from policymakers,” wrote authors of a study published in JAMA Health Forum.¹

In our chat with Postal, he discussed major changes in the PBM space regarding state legislation. While federal legislation that takes power away from PBMs is the ultimate goal, movement on the state level has been much more possible for local pharmacists and their state pharmacy associations.

“I think, on the state level, state advocacy can be much closer to the ground and there tends to be more grassroots involvement, which is a good thing. Pharmacy too is often typically more of a state-regulated issue,” Postal told Drug Topics.

Listen to the full-length version of our discussion with Postal on Spotify and discover some incredible insights into what needs to be done to curb the growth and power PBMs have overtaken in recent decades.

READ MORE: Q&A: What the NCPA is Doing to Fight Back Against PBMs

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Reference

1. Mattingly TJ, Hyman DA, Bai G. Pharmacy benefit managers: history, business practices, economics, and policy. JAMA Health Forum. 2023;4(11):e233804. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3804