ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit Thursday against Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics, accusing the pharmacy benefit managers of working together to cut reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies.<\/p>\n
Uthmeier said one pharmacy outside Orlando saw reimbursement for a medication drop by about 45%\u2014turning a profitable prescription into a $15.45 loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething that is not sustainable and takes away opportunities for patients,\u201d Uthmeier said.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit claims the companies\u2019 practices forced local pharmacies to fill prescriptions at a loss, risking access to neighborhood pharmacies and affordable meds for Florida patients and seniors. <\/p>\n
Uthmeier also accused the companies of colluding on reimbursement rates and fees, saying the arrangement weakened competition and placed additional financial pressure on independent pharmacies.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir collusion threatens Floridians\u2019 access to local pharmacies and affordable medications,\u201d Uthmeier said in a statement posted on X.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit follows an investigation by the attorney general\u2019s office into CVS Health and Caremark for alleged anticompetitive practices. In June, the state issued a civil investigative demand to CVS seeking information about its treatment of independent pharmacies and whether its practices could contribute to pharmacy closures.<\/p>\n
The claims against Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics will be decided in court.<\/p>\n
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