PBMs are designed to aggregate the collective buying power of enrollees through their client health plans, enabling plan sponsors and individuals to obtain lower prices for their prescription drugs. While they are essentially invisible to the average health plan member, PBMs have a tremendous impact on which medications are covered, the prices paid for these medications, and how patients... What the Heck Is a PBM, and Why Does It Matter?

Understanding the Context

- Forbes Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) manage prescription drug plan (PDP) benefits for insurers and/or employers. PBMs are “middlemen” in the prescription drug supply chain. PBMs were established in the 1960s to help insurers control prescription drug spending and manage benefits. One player in the system of pharmaceutical pricing in the U.S.

Key Insights

that has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years is the pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM. These so-called ‘middlemen’ are... What to Know About Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and Federal ... - KFF A PBM works as a third party between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and health insurance providers. PBMs also create and maintain formularies, which are lists of approved prescription...

Final Thoughts

PBM stands for pharmacy benefit manager, a company that acts as a middleman between drug manufacturers, insurance plans, and pharmacies. PBMs decide which prescription drugs your insurance covers, how much your pharmacy gets paid, and what you’ll owe at the counter.