local
States seek to lower drug prices by targeting the companies that manage them for health plans
By John Hanna, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 27, 2026
· 5 min read
As consumers worry about medication costs, states are trying to lower drug prices by reining in big companies that oversee prescription coverage for health insurers. Some of those companies, called pharmacy benefit managers, also own pharmacies, and one of them, CVS, has spent millions of dollars...
Key takeaway A Tennessee law will bar pharmacy benefit managers from operating retail pharmacies as of July 1, 2028, though CVS Health Corp.
Why this matters in Tomball News
In Tomball , where residents are no stranger to the financial strain of rising healthcare costs, the efforts of states to regulate pharmacy benefit managers could have a direct impact on the community's access to affordable medication. With many locals relying on prescription coverage for health insurers, the actions of companies like CVS, which has a significant presence in the Houston area, are being closely watched. The fact that lawmakers in at least a dozen states have passed laws to limit compensation to these companies and increase transparency suggests that there is a growing recognition of the need to address the role of pharmacy benefit managers in driving up drug costs. As the city's residents head to the polls for this year's midterm elections, the issue of affordability is likely to remain a key concern, making the outcome of these regulatory efforts all the more crucial for Tomball's families and individuals struggling to make ends meet.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As consumers worry about medication costs, states are trying to lower drug prices by reining in big companies that oversee prescription coverage for health insurers. Some of those companies, called pharmacy benefit managers, also own pharmacies, and one of them, CVS, has spent millions of dollars...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Hanna, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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