In 2022‚ Mark Cuban launched the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC)‚ also known as Cost Plus Drugs. This public benefit corporation aims to lower generic drug prices by eliminating intermediaries‚ like Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). MCCPDC operates with a transparent cost-plus model‚ adding a fixed 15% markup and a dispensing fee‚ ensuring visibility of costs. The company has partnered with hospital systems and grocery chains‚ expanding access to its services.
While some studies indicate that uninsured patients benefit the most‚ insured individuals may not always see substantial savings. Cost Plus Drugs doesn’t yet offer all medications‚ including insulin or some brand-name drugs. Nonetheless‚ MCCPDC’s impact is significant‚ offering some medications at drastically lower prices compared to traditional pharmacies. A key component is transparency‚ with the company openly sharing pricing and cost breakdowns‚ challenging the traditional pharmaceutical industry practices.
Cuban’s initiative is influencing the market to seek alternatives to the established PBM system. The company’s model is also being seen as a blueprint for more transparent healthcare practices.
