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S. 4509119th CongressIn committeeLatest action May 13, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
S 4509 would ban companies from owning both a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy, forcing major health corporations to break up within one year.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
This bill would make it illegal for one company to own both a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) and a pharmacy at the same time. Companies that currently do both would have one year to sell off one side of their business. The Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, state attorneys general, and individual patients could all take legal action against companies that do not comply.
This bill would most directly affect large health care companies like CVS Health, Cigna, and UnitedHealth Group, which currently own both PBMs and pharmacies. It could also affect everyday consumers, independent pharmacies, employers who provide health benefits, and anyone enrolled in a health plan that uses a PBM.
Supporters say the change would lower drug costs and increase competition. Critics say it could disrupt how prescription drug benefits are currently managed.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.