The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday released an interim report this week alleging pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have driven up costs for customers and employers. The report finds $7.3 billion in upcharges between 2017 and 2022.

The agency found that the big three PBMs are charging enormous markups on dozens of lifesaving drugs. The biggest middlemen — CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and Express Scripts — are part of huge health conglomerates that also own insurers, pharmacies, and providers such as doctors’ offices. Read more about drug middlemen. 1/14/2024