Understanding the Complex World of Pharmacy Benefit Managers

It’s a common frustration when trying to obtain prescription medications: facing obstacles when getting a new prescription or refilling an existing one. At the heart of this intricate process are pharmacy benefit managers (P.B.M.s), making it challenging to access medication. The majority of Americans rely on three major P.B.M.s: CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx. These companies are contracted by employers or health insurers to oversee prescription drug management.

As journalists at The New York Times covering the healthcare industry, we recently delved into how P.B.M.s operate, with ongoing investigative efforts in this area. We are interested in hearing about your encounters, whether positive or negative, with these entities. Perhaps you encountered barriers that hindered your access to medication, or maybe you had a smooth experience.

Every response to our questionnaire is carefully reviewed, and we may follow up with select individuals for further insights. Your feedback is invaluable to our reporting. Rest assured, we will not disclose any part of your response without prior communication. Your contact details are kept confidential within The New York Times newsroom and are solely used for reaching out to you.