Bill targets CVS and UnitedHealth over PBM and pharmacy ownership

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

Companies that miss compliance deadlines could be fined, and 10 percent of monthly profits could be held in escrow until they comply. Courts could also order companies to return money earned while they were in violation, with those funds directed toward health care costs in affected communities.

In committeeS. 4509Latest action May 13, 2026

Sponsor: Elizabeth Warren · Senator · MA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: PBM Act

119th Congress

Topics: Health care

Introduced: May 13, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. 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

What does this do?

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.

Who does it affect?

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.

Why does it matter?

Supporters say the change would lower drug costs and increase competition. Critics say it could disrupt how prescription drug benefits are currently managed.

What does it cost, and who pays?

10% of monthly profits held in escrow
Fines for missing compliance deadlines
Repaid funds go to community health care costs

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedMay 13, 2026
Senate committeeYou are here · May 13, 2026
Senate vote
House
The president's desk

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: May 13, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

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