AFPI’s Hannah Anderson Testifies Before House Subcommittee on Ending Hidden Health Care Conflicts Driving Up Costs

Washington, D.C.—Today, Hannah Anderson, Director of Healthy America Policy at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), testified before the House Education and the Workforce’s Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions to discuss the “Great Healthcare Plan” and increased transparency for patients-first health care.

Anderson’s testimony focused on how undisclosed financial relationships between pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), brokers, and benefits consultants are contributing to higher prescription drug costs for the approximately 154 million Americans covered by employer-sponsored health plans.

“Perverse incentives are driving up costs for patients.” said Anderson. “When the incentives in the health system prioritize the best interests of PBMs and not the best interests of the health plan, something is wrong. The President’s Great Healthcare Plan will end the kickbacks between PBMs and agents and brokers to make sure that the system is designed to benefit the patient.”

Anderson said that the Trump Administration and Congress have taken significant steps to address these issues, including advancing transparency requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and proposing new rules to increase oversight of PBM compensation structures.