"In the General Assembly, I have taken direct action to support Rhode Island’s independent pharmacies, working to increase transparency in pharmacy benefit managers and address the rising cost of prescription drugs. Independent pharmacies are small businesses and healthcare lifelines in our communities, and the current system too often puts them at a disadvantage. I remain committed to advocating for meaningful PBM reforms that protect small businesses, preserve patient access to care, and ensure Rhode Island’s healthcare system works for patients and providers. As Attorney General, I will build on the work already underway and continue to hold PBMs accountable, protect patient choice, and keep local pharmacies strong."

“While serving as a senior leader on the executive team in Attorney General Peter Neronha’s Office, we filed a significant lawsuit against Optum Rx, CVS Caremark, and Express Scripts. These giant PBMs have exploited their market dominance to undercut independent pharmacies here in Rhode Island and across the country. They also deceived Rhode Islanders, suggesting that they secured prescription drug savings for us when in fact they caused drug prices to skyrocket. I’m proud to have been a part of the team that stood up to these companies and I’m grateful that Attorney General Neronha has endorsed me to succeed him. As Attorney General, I’ll continue the fight to ensure access to health care for all Rhode Islanders – and demand accountability from PBMs that have violated the law.”

“When I opened Baker’s Pharmacy in Jamestown in the early 1970’s, I was one of more than 120 independent pharmacies operating in Rhode Island. I loved serving the people of Jamestown and did so for more than 40 years, before retiring in 2019. One of the reasons I closed Baker’s Pharmacy was because pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Caremark made it too hard to stay in business. I was often getting reimbursed below my costs for prescriptions and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. We can see the results of this anti-competitive behavior today with only 12 independent pharmacies remaining open in Rhode Island.

Thanks to the leadership of Attorney General Peter Neronha, things are beginning to change. The AG’s lawsuit filed last May against the three big PBMs, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx, can help level the playing field so independent pharmacies can fairly compete with the big chain drug stores. Congress and the Federal Trade Commission are also realizing that PBMs reform is long overdue. Just last week, Congress passed meaningful PBM reform and the FTC reached a settlement agreement with Express Scripts that will ensure independent pharmacies are fairly reimbursed for prescriptions and other important services they provide. Let’s hope the General Assembly recognizes that broader PBM reform is inevitable and adopts the protections Congress and the FTC have already provided to our independent pharmacies.”