The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform launched a new investigation. It targets Optum Rx, UnitedHealth Group's pharmacy benefit manager. The probe also includes major PBMs CVS Caremark and Express Scripts. The committee examines allegations of punitive audits against independent pharmacies. It suspects these audits may retaliate against pharmacies that supported legislation to reform PBM industry practices.
Chairman James Comer noted an unusual increase in burdensome audits for small prescription charges. This increase occurred shortly after pharmacies supported a bill to regulate PBMs. The investigation aims to determine if these actions intended to penalize or intimidate pharmacies. The committee requested documents and communications from the PBMs. These requests cover audit practices since July 2026.