Why are your prescription drugs so expensive? In this episode, Sean and Ron uncover the hidden role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), companies you may never have heard of but that have a major impact on your healthcare costs.

Originally designed to lower drug prices, PBMs have become part of the problem, manipulating prices and profiting off essential medications like insulin.

Sean and Ron discuss how PBMs have aligned with pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers, creating monopolies that push up drug prices.

They break down the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit aimed at curbing these unethical practices and explain how Americans are paying the price.

They also talk about the problem of unhealthy food systems in the U.S., which fuel chronic conditions like diabetes, adding further strain on healthcare costs.

Tune in to learn how PBMs are keeping your drugs cost so much more than they should and what needs to change to break this cycle of corruption.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

How PBMs manipulate drug prices (02:22)

FTC lawsuit against PBMs (04:19)

Insulin price inflation (06:35)

How unhealthy food contributes to chronic illness (12:16)

Corruption in healthcare through kickback schemes (17:50)

How PBMs profit through drug rebates (28:30)

U.S. lobbying and healthcare monopolies (37:22)

Broader political implications of healthcare corruption (42:31)

The role of choice in healthcare pricing (43:49)

Call for action against PBM corruption (51:03)

Additional Resources

Links Mentioned:

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit against PBMs: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/ftc-sues-prescription-drug-middlemen-artificially-inflating-insulin-drug-prices

Free speech episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV6rm_eeVd0

Let’s Connect:

Connect with Ron: https://twitter.com/ronchapmanatty

Connect with Sean: https://twitter.com/ComplianceGuy73

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The Wall protects our republic on our relentless strive for democracy.

With over 50 years of legal and government experience combined, Ron Chapman and Sean Weiss strip back the curtain on the US government, the Supreme Court, and some of the most influential trials in history that continue to shape our nation today.

Join every week for unfiltered conversations, in-depth analysis, and commentary from some of America’s boldest thought leaders.