Committee advances bill that pharmacy chain says will create ‘chaos’

(The Center Square) – A bill that would require pharmacies to divest from pharmacy benefit managers was unanimously greenlighted by the Tennessee House Government Affairs Committee on Monday.

CVS Pharmacy says it would create “chaos” if passed.

Eleven Democrats and Republicans recommended approval of House Bill 1959, sending it to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee before it makes it to the House floor. The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to take up its version of the bill on Tuesday.

Rep. Rick Scarborough, R-Oak Ridge, said the bill does one core thing.

“Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the same corporate structure cannot control the pharmacy and control the pharmacy benefit manager,” Scarborough said. “This bill does not regulate drug prices. It does not redesign insurance. It does not eliminate mail order.”

CVS Pharmacy, which owns pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark, launched a media campaign opposing the bill, saying it would lead to the cl...