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 Houston / 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 Magnolia News
In Magnolia , where many residents rely on health insurance to manage prescription costs, the efforts of states to regulate pharmacy benefit managers could have a direct impact on local wallets. As lawmakers in other states pass laws to limit compensation to these companies and increase transparency, Montgomery County residents may wonder if similar measures could be taken in Texas. The fact that about 4 in 10 US adults have not taken medications as prescribed due to cost concerns is particularly relevant in a community like Magnolia, where access to affordable healthcare is crucial. As the midterm elections approach, affordability of medication is likely to remain a key issue for local voters, who may be watching to see if Texas lawmakers will follow the lead of other states in addressing the role of pharmacy benefit managers in driving up drug costs.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more Magnolia News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Hanna, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter