Under “gag rules,” pharmacists are prevented from disclosing potentially cost-saving information to patients filling their prescriptions. One pharmacist, CNN reports, didn’t let that stop him.
“We’re not supposed to be in violation of the contract, or they can cut you off,” independent pharmacist Ira Katz told CNN. “I did it. I don’t give a damn what the PBMs say. I did it. It’s a travesty.
The clause sometimes inserted into contracts with pharmaceutical benefit managers have recently been under scrutiny as efforts mount to reduce rising drug prices.
Georgia, where Katz practices, last year joined a coalition of states which have passed legislation banning these gag clauses.
Cities like Chicago are also taking action, with the mayor, Rahm Emanuel, announcing a plan late last week to “hold the prescription industry accountable” to bring down drug costs.
