Resolution urging Governor to oppose PBM mega-merger reflects state and local concerns alike

Medco Health Solutions’ home-state legislators have delivered a bold and revealing blow to the pharmacy benefit manager’s proposed mega-merger with Express Scripts Inc., and NACDS was quick to praise the New Jersey lawmakers for their action.

In a resolution passed by the New Jersey Assembly on Thursday, the chamber urged Gov. Chris Christie (R) to oppose the controversial deal, citing the same anti-competitive and anti-consumer concerns that have fueled scrutiny or outright opposition by more than half of state attorneys general, more than 70 members of the U.S. Congress, national consumer groups and employers.

As reported in the Queens Campaigner, a rally led by New York State Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) raised awareness of the feared anti-competitive and anti-consumer consequences of the proposed Express Scripts and Medco merger.

"Beyond outrageous" was among the hard-hitting descriptions used by New Jersey Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D) in issuing a statement and announcing plans for a hearing regarding the proposed Express Scripts and Medco merger.