The PUTTcast

You knew UnitedHealth owns pharmacies, PBMs, and providers. Did you know it owns a bank too?

In this episode of the PUTTcast, co-hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney sit down with Emma Freer, Senior Fellow for Healthcare at the American Economic Liberties Project, to unpack her recent report on Optum Bank:  a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary that's been quietly operating since 2003.

What started as a health savings account provider has grown into a full lending operation, one that stepped into the spotlight after the Change Healthcare cyberattack left independent physician practices and pharmacies without cash flow… and UnitedHealth responded by offering them loans, at rates that raised eyebrows across the industry.

Emma walks through how this fits into UnitedHealth Group's broader pattern of 3-D vertical integration: the company is now the third-largest business in the U.S., the third-largest PBM, and the fourth-largest pharmacy operator; all while also functioning as insurer, lender, and data broker through Optum Insight's growing AI and analytics operations. The result is a closed loop where UnitedHealth can help create the financial distress independent providers face, then profit again by lending to them to survive it.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand how deep UnitedHealth's reach into the healthcare system really goes - and why "just a bank" in healthcare is never just a bank.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

In this episode of The PUTTcast, PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney steps into the host chair alongside Vice President Lauren Young for a powerful conversation about patient access, PBM accountability, and the growing movement to take the fight directly to elected officials at the town hall level.

Key Takeaways

• How Express Scripts terminated Martella's Pharmacies from their network — across all six locations — citing credentialing issues, and why Jackie believes it was anything but routine
• Why Pennsylvania's Act 77, intended to protect pharmacies, may have had unintended consequences that accelerated network purges - and how other states have experienced the same unintended repercussions
• Our strategy for using election-season town halls to embarrass legislators into accountability — and why patient voices are the most powerful tool in the room

Special Guests: 

• Jerry Shapiro RPh, PUTT Board Member, NCPA Foundation President, retired pharmacy owner
• Jackie Martella RPh & Bob McGowan Owners, Martella’s Pharmacies

Mark Your Calendar

PUTT is hosting a community town hall on June 23rd in Johnstown/Boswell, Pennsylvania to collect patient stories, document the impact of pharmacy access loss, and shine a light on what's happening in rural communities across the state. If you're in the area, come out and make your voice heard.

Resources & Links

• Find town halls near you: TownHallProject.com
• Pennsylvania pharmacy access campaign: PAMyPharmacyMyChoice.org
• Learn more about PUTT's work: TruthRx.org
• DataScan Pharmacy Software: DataScanPharmacy.com

Independent pharmacies face immense pressure from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), often confronting the impossible choice of losing money on a prescription or turning a patient away. In this episode of The PUTTcast, host Lauren Young sits down with Kris Rhea from Pharmacy Marketplace to discuss a game-changing solution to this "pharmacy spiral." They dive deep into the world of MAC appeals and underwater claims, revealing how new software helps pharmacy owners fight back and reclaim rightfully owed revenue. Whether you’re navigating new state statutes or tracking the PBM divestiture bill in Tennessee, this episode offers actionable insights and a powerful tool to strengthen your pharmacy's financial health while fueling the momentum for nationwide PBM reform.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Key Takeaways

• The Reality of the "Pharmacy Spiral": Understand the impossible decisions pharmacy owners face when dealing with underwater claims and how it impacts patient care.
• Automating MAC Appeals: Learn how Pharmacy Marketplace's software identifies eligible claims, generates compliant invoices, and tracks the appeal timeline from start to finish.
• State-Level PBM Reform: Discover which states are leading the charge in enforcing underwater payment statutes and how organized data empowers agencies to audit non-compliant PBMs.
• Escalating Rejections: Find out exactly what to do when a PBM rejects your appeal and how to involve your state's Department of Insurance or Attorney General.
• Advocacy in Action: Hear the latest updates on the Tennessee PBM divestiture bill and learn why independent pharmacies must actively participate to drive legislative change.

Resources

• Pharmacy Marketplace: Learn more about the MAC appeal tool and watch the demo video at pharmacymarketplace.com
• Contact Kris Rhea: Reach out directly at [email protected]
• Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT): Join the fight for PBM reform and access more advocacy resources at truthrx.org

Passing legislation to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) is a monumental achievement, but it’s only half the battle. The real challenge—and the key to meaningful change—lies in strict, consistent enforcement. In this critical episode of PUTTcast, co-hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney sit down with a powerhouse panel of legal and pharmacy industry experts to dissect the current state of PBM law enforcement.

Joined by special guests Mark Boesen of Boesen & Snow Law, Matt Seiler of NCPA, and Miguel Rodriguez of American Pharmacies, this episode takes a deep dive into the massive gap between existing PBM reform laws and on-the-ground compliance. Our panel breaks down the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed settlement with Express Scripts, exposing what it means for independent pharmacies, and explores the recent alarming state audit findings that highlight a systemic failure by PBMs to follow state laws.

Whether you’re a pharmacy owner, a legislator, or a healthcare advocate, this episode will shed light on why robust enforcement at both the state and federal levels is not just beneficial, but absolutely vital for the survival and longevity of the independent pharmacy industry.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

1. The Enforcement Gap: Having laws on the books means little without the resources and regulatory teeth to hold PBMs accountable for non-compliance.
2. Government Role in PBM Oversight: The Express Scripts proposed settlement signals a shift in federal attention, with the goal of creating new precedents for how PBM practices are handled.
3. State Audits Reveal Systemic Issues: Recent state-level audits have uncovered glaring patterns of PBMs ignoring statutory mandates, emphasizing the need for stricter state DOI and AG interventions.
4. Future Enforcement Guidelines: Future PBM reforms must include built-in enforcement mechanisms, mandatory auditing, and severe penalties for violations.
5. Benefits to the Industry: Proper enforcement ensures fair reimbursement rates, protects patient choice, and levels the playing field for independent pharmacies.

Mark Boesen, PharmD, JD

Founding Partner, Boesen & Snow Law

Mark brings a unique dual perspective as both a pharmacist and a legal expert. He specializes in pharmacy law, regulatory compliance, and government affairs, fighting tirelessly for the rights of independent pharmacies.

Matt Seiler, Esq.

VP & General Counsel, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)

Matt leads the legal strategy for NCPA, advocating for the nation's independent community pharmacies. He is at the forefront of the battle against anti-competitive PBM practices at the federal level.

Miguel Rodriguez, Esq.

EVP & General Counsel, American Pharmacies

Miguel is a leading voice in PBM litigation and legislative reform. Through American Pharmacies, he drives aggressive legal and advocacy strategies to ensure PBM transparency and accountability.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with your colleagues, state representatives, and fellow pharmacy advocates. Make sure to subscribe to PUTTcast on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an update on the fight for fair pharmacy practices. For more resources and to join our mission, visit our website at TruthRx.org

Join hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney as they sit down with Alan Pannier, Chief Strategy Officer at SmithRx, to peel back the layers of the PBM industry. Their discussion explores the critical differences between traditional and pass-through PBM models and how the current system often obscures true costs from employers; shedding light on how innovative models like cost-plus pricing are reshaping the landscape, offering a fairer deal for both patients and independent pharmacies.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Key Topics:

1. Pass-Through vs. Traditional PBMs: Breaking down the fundamental differences and why the distinction matters for transparency.
2. How Traditional PBMs Game the System: A look at the tactics legacy PBMs use during the evaluation process to confuse employers and hide profit margins.
3. The Benefits for Employers: Why switching to a pass-through model can lead to significant savings and clearer data for plan sponsors.
4. The Cost-Plus Pharmacy Model: Explaining how this model works and its direct benefits for patient affordability and employer bottom lines.
5. The Role of Independent Pharmacies: How integrating independent pharmacies into benefit plans can simultaneously decrease employer spend and increase pharmacy reimbursement.
6. Market-Driven Reform: Why legislative action isn't enough—the market must actively demand better solutions to ensure PBM reform is effective.

Resources & Links

1. SmithRx: Visit Website
2. Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency (PUTT): TruthRx.org
3. Support the Show: Become a PUTTcast Sponsor

In this episode of The PUTTcast, hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney are joined by special guest and pharmacy owner, Fair Jones, to explore key advocacy strategies for independent pharmacies striving for impactful PBM reform. They discuss how to effectively educate state and federal lawmakers, the critical role of follow-up communication, and the power of involving pharmacy patients in the process. Most importantly, they highlight how uniting independent pharmacies across states can strengthen their collective voice to push for enforceable PBM reform.

Special Guest: FairRx founder & Mississippi pharmacy owner, Fair Jones, PharmD

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Welcome back to part two of our special live crossover episode with PBM on the Rocks and The PUTTcast! 

In this conclusion to our live Summit day recording, we dive deeper into the critical issues facing the pharmacy industry today. The discussion picks back up on the front lines of PBM reform, exploring reform’s real-world impact on patients and independent pharmacies, then shifts to a powerful and often-debated topic: the case for unionization in pharmacy. But it's not all serious business. Maurice Shaw (The Dr of Comedy) and Shane Jerominsky (The Accidental Pharmacist) bring their unique perspectives as pharmacists and comedians to point out the comedic moments found in everyday pharmacy life - reminding us that laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with the immense pressures of the pharmacy profession.

Special Guests: Maurice Shaw, PharmD, Shane Jerominsky, RPh, & Greg Reybold, APCI VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Join co-hosts Jeremy Counts and Lauren Young as The PUTTcast teams up with the PBM on the Rocks Cocktail Crew for Part 1 of our special live crossover episode!

We're breaking down the biggest moments from the 2025 PUTT Virtual Summit, and diving deep into the ever-changing world of PBM reform. This powerhouse discussion features an incredible lineup of guests who share their unique perspectives on the latest legislative battles, grassroots advocacy, and what independent pharmacy owners are facing on the front lines.

Special Guest: Greg Reybold, VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel, APCI

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

In this month’s special episode of The PUTTcast, we’re gearing up for the highly anticipated PUTT Virtual Summit! Join host Lauren Young, PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney, and special guest advocates Nikki Bryant and Rosemary C Smith as they explore the critical strategies independent pharmacies can use to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change. From building political connections to fostering trust within your community, listen in as they discuss how independent pharmacy owners can take charge of their advocacy efforts and make a lasting impact.

Special Guests: Nikki Bryant, PharmD - Georgia independent pharmacy owner & Pharmacy Advocate; Rosemary C Smith, RPh - co-founder Kentucky Independent Pharmacists Alliance

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

In this episode of The PUTTcast, discover how Louisiana legislators and healthcare advocates triumphed over corporate opposition to enact groundbreaking PBM reform with HB 264. Join host Lauren Young as she welcomes Louisiana State Representative Michael Echols and Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association Director of Government Affairs Matthew Cross to discuss the collaborative fight that made this victory possible, and what it means for the future of fair pharmacy practices and patient care.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard