Senators Introduce Bill to Break Up Vertically Integrated Health Care Companies
On February 10, 2026, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced the Break Up Big Medicine Act, which would prohibit companies from owning health care providers while also owning a health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), or prescription drug or medical device wholesaler. In a press release, Senator Warren emphasized that breaking up these common ownerships would reduce conflicts of interest and enhance market competition, particularly for independent pharmacies and providers.
The press release can be found here.
Impact on General Dentistry: Continued consolidation and vertical integration in the health care and insurance markets threatens to further disadvantage small dental practices and limit provider autonomy and patient choice through reduced competition and increased conflicts of interest. AGD remains committed to advocating for policies that promote fair competition in the health care industry.