CVS Express Scripts Arkansas pharmacies PBMs.

CVS and Express Scripts are asking a federal judge to block an Arkansas law prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies in the state. The lawsuits are challenging the first such restrictions enacted by a state on PBMs, which run prescription drug coverage for big clients that include health insurers and employers that provide coverage. Supporters of Arkansas law say it’s needed to protect independent pharmacies that are being closed because of PBMs. The lawsuits call Arkansas’ law unconstitutional and say it could have devastating impacts on access to medications.