Health Brief: Pharmacy Benefit Managers Under Scrutiny on Capitol Hill

Are you looking for the latest updates on health news and politics? Look no further! In today’s edition of the Health Brief, we have some exciting topics to cover.

First up, we have the spotlight on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) who are set to be back in the hot seat on Capitol Hill. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is holding a hearing focused on their role in the prescription drug market. Executives from CVS Caremark, OptumRx, and Express Scripts will testify about their companies’ alleged anticompetitive policies. This is the third hearing examining the business practices of PBMs, with bipartisan legislation in the works to reform their practices.

Next, we dive into the 2024 election and the focus on abortion rights. Vice President Harris has emerged as a strong defender of abortion rights, and Democrats see her as a key messenger for the issue in the upcoming election. With President Biden’s exit from the campaign, the spotlight is now on former President Donald Trump, the oldest presidential nominee in history. His age and health are under renewed scrutiny, with questions about his medical history and ongoing risks.

In other health news, the Biden administration is urging tech companies to strengthen protections for children and teens online. Concerns about social media platforms keeping kids hooked and exposed to harm have led to recommendations for limiting features that encourage excessive social media use by youths.

And finally, we have some interesting health reads for you to check out, including a report on resistant hospital infections, battles on PBM practices, and the real-world injuries suffered by virtual reality players.

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