Anthem sues Express Scripts over prescription-drug prices

Associated Press

Blue Cross-Blue Shield health insurer Anthem is suing pharmacy-benefits manager Express Scripts over prescription-drug prices.

Express Scripts runs prescription drug coverage for Anthem, the nation’s second-largest health insurer. Anthem said Monday that it wants to recover damages for drug prices that are higher than competitive benchmarks.

Anthem said in a statement that Express Scripts is obligated to negotiate in good faith to make sure Anthem receives competitive pricing, but the PBM has refused to do so.

An Express Scripts Holding Co. spokesman said Anthem’s lawsuit has no merit, and it has “consistently acted in good faith and in accordance with the terms” of its deal with Anthem.

Anthem Inc. said its federal lawsuit doesn’t change the way customers get prescriptions filled.

Pharmacy-benefit managers, or PBMs, run prescription-drug plans for employers, government agencies and insurers, among other clients. They use their large purchasing power to negotiate on price.