Connecting today’s news with the research & opinion you need

What to Know: Transparency is key to lowering drug prices, one former Congressman writes.

The TPPF Take: One factor consumers don’t see in their prescription prices is the cut taken by the Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

“PBMs operate as middlemen in the distribution channel for medications,” explains TPPF’s Louis Stone. “They negotiate pricing on behalf of insurers with drug manufacturers and pharmacies and get a percentage of the cost in the form of a rebate from the drug manufacturer as their fee. The deals they negotiate determine which drugs are added to formulary lists (aka preferred) and which aren’t—impacting directly which drugs are covered by the insurer and your consumer copay.”

What to Know: One unforeseen consequence of the pandemic has been the increased use of technology in criminal justice settings.

The TPPF Take: One silver lining to the pandemic has been the justice system’s adaptive use of technology.

“In many cases, defendants released prior to trial and people on probation or parole are checking in with their supervising officer or judge through virtual meetings,” says TPPF’s Marc Levin. “Preliminary data indicates that virtual appointments reduce failures to appear, which can result in a person being revoked to jail or prison.”

What to Know: At the top of TPPF’s Liberty Action Agenda is the elimination of taxpayer-funded lobbying.

The TPPF Take: Many cities, counties, school districts, and special districts spend public money to hire professional lobbyists to engage in the legislative process.

“In 2017, local governments spent as much as $41 million on lobbyists,” says TPPF’s James Quintero. “This figure excludes government employees who may spend some of their time lobbying other parts of government for their agency. Local government should not spend public money on private lobbyists.”