Missouri lawmakers can lower drug costs by reforming PBM abuses, not protecting them

By: Tim Mitchell

Outlets: Missouri Independent

Published: February 19, 2026

Words: 643

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

Body Text Preview

Missourians are right to be concerned about the cost of health care. Prescription drug costs remain one of the most visible and painful expenses for families, seniors and small employers.

But recent claims that pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform will increase costs and expand government control fundamentally misrepresent how the current system works — and who actually benefits from it.

Let’s be clear: PBMs are not free-market actors operating in a transparent, competitive environment. Three …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us