The trade group representing pharmacy benefit managers spent a record-breaking $1.49 million on lobbying in the first quarter of 2019, the most it has ever spent in a three-month span, according to STAT.
The record amount spent by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association comes as the Trump administration works to finalize a proposal that would ultimately ban the rebates drugmakers pay to the managers. The proposal could overhaul how drug prices are set and how drugs are paid.
The management association strictly opposes a ban on rebates.
PBMs have also faced increased criticism from lawmakers and the public recently about their role in the drug industry. Last month, top executives from five large benefit managers faced tough questions from Congress during a high-stakes hearing on drug prices.