Senate Advances Legislation to Ban PBM Spread Pricing and Open Medicare Drug Networks

Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform·Latest event March 19, 2026

Apr 9

Senate Advances Legislation to Ban PBM Spread Pricing and Open Medicare Drug Networks

While initial bipartisan reforms signed by President Trump are currently expanding pharmacy options, broader efforts to overhaul PBM payment structures remain stalled in the Senate Finance Committee. Bills S. 882 and S. 3345, which target hidden Medicaid fees and Medicare rebate pass-throughs, have seen no movement since late 2025. This legislative deadlock prevents a full ban on 'spread pricing' and continues to allow PBMs to collect percentages of high drug prices.

Apr 8

President Trump signs bipartisan PBM reforms to lower drug costs and increase pharmacy options

President Trump signs bipartisan PBM reforms into law to increase pharmacy options and drive down costs.

Pharmacy benefit managers shouldn’t steer patients to affiliated pharmacies and treatments regardless of price or effectiveness. My bipartisan reforms recently signed into law by President Trump are increasing options and driving down costs. Read more below⬇️

Dec 4, 2025

Senator Crapo introduces S. 3345 to ban Medicaid spread pricing and open Medicare drug networks

Senator Mike Crapo introduces S. 3345 to ban 'spread pricing' in Medicaid and open Medicare drug networks.

S. 3345Congress targets PBM spread pricing, boosts drug cost transparency in Medicaid and Medicare

Mar 6, 2025

Senate Finance Committee weighs bill forcing PBMs to pass full rebates to Medicare patients and accept flat fees

The Senate Finance Committee receives S. 882, a bill requiring PBMs to pass full rebates to Medicare patients and accept flat service fees.

S. 882Bipartisan Senate Bill Targets Medicare Middlemen to Lower Drug Costs and Protect Local Pharmacies

Jan 20, 2025

House Oversight Committee finds top three PBMs colluded to hike drug prices and hurt local pharmacies

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability reports that the three largest PBMs colluded to inflate drug prices and undermine local pharmacies.

🚨 @GOPoversight exposed how the three largest PBMs colluded to line their own pockets. These self-benefitting tactics have done nothing but jeopardize patient care, undermine local pharmacies, & raise prescription drug prices. Our work to hold PBMs accountable is not over.👇

The Facts

Key Statements

RRep. James Comer

“GOPoversight exposed how the three largest PBMs colluded to line their own pockets. These self-benefitting tactics have done nothing but jeopardize patient care.”

This post highlights the specific allegations of collusion and patient harm that drive the push for PBM reform.

SSen. Mike Crapo

“Pharmacy benefit managers shouldn’t steer patients to affiliated pharmacies and treatments regardless of price or effectiveness.”

This quote directly addresses the 'steering' practice that S. 882 and S. 3345 aim to restrict.

Policies

S. 882 and S. 3345 are complementary Senate bills that target different government health programs. S. 882 focuses on Medicare fee structures while S. 3345 addresses Medicaid transparency and pricing.

Congress targets PBM spread pricing, boosts drug cost transparency in Medicaid and Medicare

S. 3345

Bipartisan Senate Bill Targets Medicare Middlemen to Lower Drug Costs and Protect Local Pharmacies

S. 882

Political Response

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Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.