Express Scripts Monster

Seems that, in light of a potential Express Scripts/Medco merger, Express Scripts is taking over a lot more than the drug program for the state of Maryland……. what is going on here? Remember when you studied economics and they said that too much big business was bad? So is too much government control. What about the government allowing and then controlling big business? Whose best interest do they have in mind???

Express Scripts Receives $2.4B Pharmacy Deal From Maryland.

The Baltimore Business Journal (2/9, Lambert, Subscription Publication) reports, “After months of delays and appeals, Maryland awarded Express Scripts Inc. on Wednesday a $2.4 billion contract to manage its prescription drug program for its employees, retirees and their dependents.” According to the Journal, “the deal was approved by the state Board of Public Works after Express Scripts had been in a nearly year-long battle with Rockville-based Catalyst Rx, the drug provider for the state, over who would be awarded the new contract.” The contract was supported by Gov. Martin O’Malley and state Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp, “while Comptroller Peter Franchot voted against it.”

“In today’s meeting, Franchot said the state Department of Budget and Management did not use the same criteria to evaluate Express Scripts…and Catalyst,” the St. Louis Business Journal (2/9, Subscription Publication) reports. “Express Scripts…will take over as the prescription drug provider for Maryland on May 15.”