§2. GAO study and report on price-related compensation and payment structures in the prescription drug supply chain
This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on price-related compensation and payment structures (e.g., fees calculated as a percentage of a prescription drug’s price) in the retail prescription drug supply chain. The study must include an overview of such structures’ type, magnitude, features, and prevalence among intermediaries (e.g., pharmacy benefit managers, Medicare Part D plan sponsors, drug wholesalers, pharmacies, manufacturers); primary business models and compensation structures for each intermediary category; variations between affiliated and unaffiliated entities; potential conflicts of interest; patterns and trends over time and across market segments (e.g., Medicare Part D and Medicaid); factors driving their use; and other relevant issues. Not later than two years after the date of enactment, the Comptroller General must submit to Congress a report on the study results, together with recommendations for legislation and administrative action.