Business Wars CVS vs. Walgreens | Trouble Behind the Counter | 5
16 snips
Nov 8, 2023 
Dan Weissmann, host of An Arm and a Leg, sheds light on the pressures facing pharmacies due to consolidation and rising drug costs. He discusses the impact on consumers and how big chains like CVS and Walgreens are adapting. Liz Tung, a reporter for WHYY’s The Pulse, dives into the shadowy world of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), revealing their detrimental effects on both customers and independent pharmacies. Together, they explore the competitive pharmacy landscape and the struggle for affordable healthcare.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Healthcare Consolidation
- Healthcare players feel pressured to grow due to industry consolidation and competition.
- CVS has aggressively consolidated by acquiring MinuteClinic, Caremark, and Aetna, while Walgreens has done less.
Competitive Pricing
- GoodRx and Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offer competitive pricing models.
- They highlight the potential for underselling in the pharmaceutical space while still being profitable.
PBM Investigation
- Liz Tong investigated Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) after encountering them on social media and through a tip.
- A physician, ZDoggMD, criticized PBMs for their opaque influence on drug prices and patient care.