In FTC Settlement, Cigna Agrees to Change Some PBM Business Practices, Charge Customers Less for Insulin

Summary

The episode examines Cigna’s settlement with the FTC over its Express Scripts PBM, which was accused of inflating insulin prices through opaque rebate deals. Key provisions require Cigna to prioritize lower‑cost drug versions, base patient copays on net prices, increase transparency for employer plans, and adopt a cost‑plus model for community pharmacies. FTC head Andrew Ferguson highlighted potential savings of up to $7 billion on insulin over ten years, while investors remained upbeat. The discussion features insights from health‑care reform advocate Chris Deacon on how the deal could reshape PBM practices.