S. 4509In committeeHealth care

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.

Data as of July 11, 2026

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

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Decoded

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

Where does it stand?

Introduced
Senate committee — You are here
Senate vote
House
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.

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

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Make the call

See how a call works

Official title

PBM Act

Introduced:: May 13, 2026
Latest action:: May 13, 2026

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Bill targets CVS and UnitedHealth over PBM and pharmacy ownership

Data as of July 11, 2026

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

Decoded

What does this do?

Who does it affect?

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

Where does it stand?

Introduced
Senate committee — You are here
Senate vote
House
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.

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

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Make the call

See how a call works

Official title

PBM Act

Introduced:: May 13, 2026
Latest action:: May 13, 2026

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?