Federal PBM probe grows

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said Aug. 28 it is widening its investigation into pharmacy benefit managers, particularly Optum Rx and the Cigna Group, regarding their foreign-based group purchasing organizations. 

GPOs based outside the U.S. “may be used to retain additional revenue and fees and to sidestep U.S. legislative and regulatory reforms,” according to a statement from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. 

Ascent Health, the GPO of Cigna Group’s Evernorth Health Services, is headquartered in Switzerland. Emisar Pharma Services, the GPO of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx, is based in Ireland. 

The committee launched the investigation in March 2023, focusing on alleged anticompetitive practices. Rep. James Comer, who chairs the committee, has accused executives from CVS Health, Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group of making false statements during 2024 congressional hearings. 

The committee is requesting documents and communications relating to the creation of these GPOs. 

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