Patients Before Monopolies Act: Marley Drug's Statement
At Marley Drug, we believe in a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profits. That’s why we strongly support the recently introduced Patients Before Monopolies Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the conflicts of interest created by vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates. This legislation seeks to break the stranglehold of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their joint ownership of pharmacy businesses, ensuring a fairer system for patients and independent pharmacies alike.
About the Patients Before Monopolies Act
Introduced by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), along with Representatives Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) and Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), the Patients Before Monopolies Act would prohibit the joint ownership of PBMs and pharmacies. Major players like CVS Health, Cigna, and UnitedHealth Group currently control nearly 80% of all prescription claims in the U.S. through vertically integrated models that include PBMs and retail pharmacy chains.
This dominance has led to increased drug prices and significant barriers for independent pharmacies, which often cannot compete with the pricing and reimbursement policies dictated by these conglomerates. The legislation would:
- Require healthcare conglomerates to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years.
- Empower federal officials to oversee divestments and redistribute revenue gained during violations to communities and consumers.
- Prevent conflicts of interest that allow PBMs to prioritize their own pharmacy chains over independent pharmacies, ultimately benefiting patients.
This bill represents a bold step toward creating a healthcare system that values accessibility, affordability, and fairness.
Marley Drug: A Better Way to Pharmacy
At Marley Drug, we’ve built our entire model around transparency, affordability, and exceptional customer service. As an independent pharmacy, we operate free from the conflicts of interest that the Patients Before Monopolies Act aims to address. Here’s how we’re different:
- Affordable, Fixed Prices: We provide medications at clear, transparent pricing. At Marley Drug you can shop on our website and see the cash-price right there – you don’t have to go into the pharmacy to find it. We offer:
- Low-Cost Generics: With over 150+ generic medications for $70/year through our Wholesale Price List.
- Branded Medication Solutions: Through partnerships with drug manufacturers we offer select branded medications at a significant discount compared to other pharmacies. We can do this by cutting out supply chain middlemen, like PBMs, who contribute to the high-cost of these medications.
- Direct-to-Patient Model: By eliminating traditional insurance-based pricing and middlemen, we’re able to offer significant savings and convenience.
- Free Home Delivery: We deliver to all 50 states with 3 to 5 business days.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Our dedicated customer support team ensures that every patient receives personalized support, setting us apart from big chain pharmacies with their long lines and impersonal service.
- Cash-Based Pharmacy: By focusing on a cash-based model, we ensure fair pricing without hidden fees or insurance complications.
Standing with Patients and Independent Pharmacies
The Patients Before Monopolies Act aligns with our mission to create a healthier pharmacy experience for all. By addressing the systemic issues caused by vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates, this bill paves the way for a fairer and more accessible marketplace.
We encourage patients, healthcare providers, and industry leaders to join us in supporting this critical legislation. At Marley Drug, we’re proud to be part of the solution, delivering affordable medications and exceptional service while standing up for a healthcare system that puts patients first.
For more information about our services or to learn how we’re making a difference, visit Marley Drug.