Rutledge to investigate reimbursement rates from CVS Caremark

Attorney General Leslie Rutledge of Arkansas said Thursday she has requested information from CVS Caremark after reviewing complaints of falling medication reimbursement rates paid to local pharmacies. "The change in reimbursement rates by the PBMs has hurt Arkansans in every community across the state," said Rutledge. "Local pharmacists are critical members of Arkansas's communities. Due to these changes, pharmacists are facing tough decisions because the reimbursements do not cover the actual cost of the medications." Rutledge started reviewing reports earlier this year that CVS Caremark cut its reimbursement rate for pharmacies in the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace. According to reports, in approximately 20% of prescription fills, prescription reimbursement rates fell lower than purchase costs, forcing local pharmacists to cover the extra costs of these rate changes.