Some members of Congress question the prescription monopoly under Pentagon’s Tricare.
Bipartisan members of Congress have questioned the Pentagon about the exclusive prescription contract the Defense Health Agency (DHA) has given Express Scripts. The Defense Department’s Tricare insurance system may be increasing costs and reducing access to medications for the 9.6 million troops, retirees, and families it serves.
Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, Peter Welch of Vermont, and Representative Buddy Carter of Georgia were joined by 20 other legislators in writing the Defense Department regarding the contract with Express Scripts, the pharmacy network, and whether the DHA tracks denials for specialty prescription requests.
The legislators wrote, “Because Cigna also owns Accredo, it can effectively keep much of its business in-house, using its [pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts] to steer patients to its own pharmacy while disadvantaging competitors.”
The legislators have requested detailed comparisons of drug prices charged by Express Scripts and Accredo versus independent pharmacies to highlight the potential financial and accessibility impacts on Tricare beneficiaries.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Lt. General Telita Crosland as she serves as director of the Defense Health Agency.
- For U.S. legislators as they seek to ensure competition to reduce prescription costs for troops.
- For Pentagon officials as they respond to the questions of the senators and representatives.
Sources: Navy Times, Stars and Stripes
