STAT+: FTC settles lawsuit with CVS Caremark over charges it manipulated insulin prices, impeded access

STAT PlusPharmalot FTC settles lawsuit with CVS Caremark over charges it manipulated insulin prices, impeded access Agency maintains deal will save Americans up to $8.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs over 10 years Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJuly 14, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The Federal Trade Commission settled a lawsuit against CVS Caremark, one of the largest pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S., over allegations that the company artificially inflated the price of insulin and impeded access to the lifesaving diabetes treatment. As part of the deal, which the agency maintained will save Americans up to $8.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs over 10 years, CVS Caremark, which is owned by CVS Health, must make several changes to its dealings with employers, health plans, and pharmacies. The FTC also estimated the deal will unlock up to $4.5 billion in further savings for patients through pharmacy counter rebates.Advertisement In its complaint, the FTC alleged that CVS Caremark — as well as Cigna’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx — created a “perverse” system of rebates that favored insulin, which was then sold at higher list prices in order to “line their pockets” at the expense of patients who were forced to pay more for the medication. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In diabetes, drug pricing, PBMs, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Sales from controversial U.S. drug discount program rose to $100 billion last year Pharmalot July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a battle between Lilly and Teva, psychedelic drugs, and more Advertisement Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: AIDS activists slam Biden R&D deal with Gilead over HIV prevention drug patents Pharmalot July 13, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about an RFK Jr. push against psychiatric meds, a Sanofi blood cancer drug, and more Pharmalot July 10, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about bigger drug discounts in Germany, drugmakers embracing secrecy, and more Subscriber Picks