Last week, during the Iowa Republican Lincoln Dinner, members of the PBM Accountability Project of Iowa had the opportunity to discuss with several presidential candidates the need for meaningful reforms to rein in health insurance middlemen – pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
The Lincoln Dinner is a staple event of each presidential cycle – all declared candidates are invited to take the stage to plead their case with caucus goers. Representatives from the Iowa Pharmacy Association, the owners of the Medical Associates Pharmacy and a University of Iowa pharmacy student discussed with several candidates in attendance the many ways PBMs are driving up out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, and several policy solutions that will help protect independent pharmacies, patients, employee health plans and taxpayers.
The following candidates expressed interest in working together to address the PBM problem:
Governor Doug Burgum
Governor Ron DeSantis
Larry Elder
Ambassador Nikki Haley
Asa Hutchinson
Perry Johnson
Senator Tim Scott
Former President Donald Trump
We will continue to advocate for PBM reforms with all presidential candidates as they campaign in our state. We are also encouraged by members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation including Senator Grassley, and Reps. Miller-Meeks and Hinson, all of whom have been supporters of PBM reform at the federal level.
Learn more about PBM policy solutions here.
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