local
States seek to lower drug prices by targeting the companies that manage them for health plans
By JOHN HANNA, Associated Press at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — 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...
Key takeaway (AP) — 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.
Why this matters in Barton Creek News
In the Austin area, where healthcare costs can be a significant burden for many residents, the efforts of states to regulate pharmacy benefit managers could have a direct impact on the wallets of Barton Creek community members. As these companies play a crucial role in determining which medications are covered by health plans and at what cost, any changes to their business practices could lead to more affordable prescription options for locals. The fact that some pharmacy benefit managers, such as CVS, have a significant presence in the area, with both management and retail operations, adds a layer of complexity to the issue. As the situation unfolds, it will be worth watching how Texas, in particular, chooses to address the role of pharmacy benefit managers in the state's healthcare landscape, and what effects this might have on medication costs for Barton Creek residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . Barton Creek 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 KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more Barton Creek 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? TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — 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...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories and curated for Barton Creek News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JOHN HANNA, Associated Press at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories. To learn more about how Barton Creek News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Barton Creek News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter