The US House of Representatives has opened an investigation into CVS Health over claims the company misused confidential patient data in a lobbying effort aimed at defeating a Louisiana bill targeting pharmacy benefit managers.
Committee leaders James Comer and Clay Higgins sent a letter to CVS Health CEO David Joyner requesting documents and communications about the company’s use of patient information dating back to January 2020.
Lawmakers say CVS relied on data obtained through a state contract to send mass texts to Louisiana residents urging opposition to House Bill 358, which would have barred the company from operating Caremark, its pharmacy benefit manager, and its retail pharmacies in the state.
In their letter, the lawmakers stressed that HIPAA allows patient information to be used for care delivery and communication but does not permit political advocacy or lobbying without explicit authorization.
The HIPAA privacy rule does not include political advocacy or lobbying among the list of uses and disclosures that may be made of patient information without an individual’s authorization
They also raised concerns that CVS’s nationwide reach means the practice may not have been limited to Louisiana.
The inquiry comes as part of a broader push in Congress to scrutinize pharmacy benefit managers, which critics accuse of opaque practices, anticompetitive behavior, and contributing to high drug costs.
CVS has confirmed receipt of the request and said its communications complied with the law. A company spokesperson emphasized CVS’s focus on lowering drug prices, improving access to care, and supporting community pharmacies, adding that the firm looks forward to engaging with lawmakers.
Our communication with CVS customers, patients and members of the community was consistent with the law
CVS Health
“Our focus remains on lowering drug costs, providing access to care and helping improve health. We look forward to working productively with policymakers to continue to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible and to promote the value of community pharmacy.”
