The New York Times is conducting an investigation into pharmacy benefit managers, the entities that play a crucial role in determining which medications are covered by insurance and how much consumers have to pay for them. This inquiry aims to shed light on the experiences of individuals dealing with companies such as CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx.
These pharmacy benefit managers act as intermediaries between drug manufacturers and insurance plans, influencing the accessibility and pricing of prescription drugs. Given the ongoing concerns about the high costs of medications, The New York Times is reaching out to individuals, pharmacists, and doctors to gather insights into their interactions with these companies.
The publication is soliciting feedback from the public, seeking information about individuals’ encounters with CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, or OptumRx. The focus is on understanding whether prescribed medications were covered and the associated costs incurred. Additionally, the investigation aims to uncover instances where individuals may have been compelled to opt for more expensive drugs or faced obstacles in obtaining their prescribed medications due to cost-related issues.
The questionnaire is designed to capture real-life experiences, including instances where individuals may have had to forgo filling a prescription due to cost constraints or because their drug plan declined coverage. The inquiry also aims to gather information on cases where individuals were required to switch medications due to plan-related factors.
The New York Times assures respondents that their privacy and confidentiality will be upheld, with a commitment to not publish any part of their responses without prior communication. The publication emphasizes that contact information will only be used for the purpose of further engagement with the respondents and will not be shared outside the Times newsroom.
Individuals are encouraged to share their encounters with pharmacy benefit managers, providing details about the specific companies involved, the medications in question, and the challenges faced in accessing or affording the prescribed drugs. The questionnaire also invites respondents to share their personal details, with an option to indicate willingness to be contacted by a New York Times journalist for other reporting projects.
