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 / 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 The Pearland
In Pearland , 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 healthcare affordability. As lawmakers in other states pass laws to limit compensation to these companies and increase transparency, it will be worth watching whether Texas follows suit. Given that about 6 in 10 US adults worry about affording prescriptions, and many have already skipped medications due to cost, any changes to the system could bring relief to Pearland families struggling to pay for necessary medications. The fact that CVS, a major pharmacy benefit manager, has a significant presence in the Houston area, including in Pearland, adds a local dimension to the national debate over the role of these companies in driving down drug costs. As the issue continues to evolve, Pearland residents may see changes in how their prescription coverage is managed, potentially affecting their out-of-pocket costs.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John Hanna, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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