PBMs Warn of Unintended Consequences of Arkansas PBM Law

Apr 24
Apr 24, 2025

Major PBMs are warning that a recently passed law in Arkansas that bans them from owning pharmacies could have unintended consequences and hurt medication access for underserved people, including those who have chronic conditions and those in rural areas. The legislation, HB1150, declares that PBMs starting on Jan. 1, 2026, will not be able to own or operate retail, mail-order or specialty pharmacies in Arkansas, which is the first state to adopt such a mandate.

Patrick Conway, M.D., CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx PBM, told analysts on an April 17 earnings call that the legislation “concerns us significantly” and said that “we’re honestly not sure what problem they’re trying to solve.”
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Tim Casey

Tim has been a reporter and editor for newspapers, websites and magazines for more than 20 years, including 10 years covering health care business topics. He has a deep knowledge of the managed care industry and pharmacy benefit management. He also has experience covering medical conferences and clinical and legislative health care issues. In 2014, the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing selected Tim as one of 15 journalists to participate in a national symposium on the Affordable Care Act. Tim has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University.