Health Hearing: Lowering Health Care Costs: An Examination of the Prescription Drug Supply Chain

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a comprehensive hearing on February 11, 2026, to examine the complexities of the prescription drug supply chain and explore ways to lower health care costs for Americans. The hearing featured testimony from a diverse panel including pharmaceutical industry representatives, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), wholesalers, group purchasing organizations (GPOs), independent pharmacists, employers, and legal experts. Key topics included the impact of vertical integration and consolidation in the drug supply chain, the role of PBMs and their recent reform legislation aimed at increasing transparency and reducing costs, challenges faced by independent and rural pharmacies, and the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation amid global competition. Members discussed the need for enhanced transparency, competition, and regulatory modernization to address high drug prices while ensuring patient access to innovative therapies. The hearing also highlighted concerns about secret drug pricing agreements, the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act on the generic drug market, and the critical role of federal agencies like the FDA and NIH in supporting research and drug approval processes. Overall, the committee emphasized a balanced approach to reform that supports affordability, innovation, and access across the pharmaceutical supply chain.