CVS Health is asking Vermont Gov. Phil Scott to veto a bill it says will raise prescription drug costs for those with private insurance, VTDigger reported May 15.
The bill passed May 11 by Vermont lawmakers gives the University of Vermont Health Network an advantage over cheaper mail-order pharmacies when it comes to filling specialty prescriptions, according to the report.
CVS Health said the bill "enshrines a special arrangement that allows hospitals to mark up specialty medication prices for patients with rare and complex conditions," according to the report.
CVS Health, which has a pharmacy benefits management company that does business in the state, said the bill would cost individual patients hundreds of dollars a year, according to the report.
Jeff Hochberg, president of Vermont Retail Druggists, told VTDigger CVS' concerns were unfounded because the bill only redirects prescription money from PBMs to local pharmacies and will not result in increased premiums.
A spokesperson told VTDigger the governor has not yet made a decision on the bill.