PBM 101

5 Ways Fiduciary‑Aligned PBMs Deliver Transparent Pricing in 2026
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
May 28, 2026, 9:27 AM Read more

Drug Pricing Transparency Trends to Watch
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Apr 6, 2026, 2:48 PM Read more

The Differences Between Tier 1-5 Prescription Drugs
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 6, 2026, 12:00 AM Read more

What Is a Transparent PBM and Why It Matters More Than Ever
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Feb 19, 2026, 9:00 AM Read more

PBM Terminology Explained: What Every Employer Should Know
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Feb 2, 2026, 10:07 AM Read more

Why America’s Largest Employers Are Switching PBMs
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 6, 2025, 3:29 PM Read more

What Employers Should Know about Specialty Drug Costs
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Oct 9, 2025, 12:36 PM Read more

How Legacy PBMs Fail Pharmacies, Employers, and Patients
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Sep 11, 2025, 1:20 PM Read more

How Cost-Containment Programs Lower Pharmacy Spend
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Sep 4, 2025, 2:45 PM Read more

Real Savings vs. Discount Claims: What to Look for in PBM Reporting
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 14, 2025, 6:52 PM Read more

What Is PBM Reform? Understanding Pharmacy Benefit Manager Changes
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 8, 2025, 5:38 PM Read more

Why Legacy PBMs Are Still Failing Employers
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 1, 2025, 12:15 PM Read more

Biosimilar Adoption: Why Low Uptake is Still a Challenge
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jul 15, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

PBM Vertical Integration’s Impact on Biosimilars
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jun 19, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

The Journey of a Medication Price: Legacy PBMs vs. SmithRx
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jun 12, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

What is a Biosimilar? Benefits, Costs & Employer Employer Savings Explained
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Apr 22, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

What is Fiduciary Alignment and Why Does it Matter in Pharmacy Benefits?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Apr 11, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

12 Questions to Ask Your PBM to Ensure Transparent Pricing
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 31, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

How Drug Rebates Influence Prescription Costs for Employers
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 21, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

What Does a PBM Do to Reduce Costs?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 20, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

Understanding Value-Based Care and the Role PBMs Play
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 14, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

The Modern PBM Experience: Key Criteria for Account Support and Member Service
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Feb 25, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

How Prescription Drug Lists Impact Medication Costs
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jan 7, 2025, 12:00 AM Read more

What is a PBM Admin Fee?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 17, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

What is PMPM? Per Member Per Month Explained
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Oct 21, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Defining Modern PBM Fees: A New Era of Transparency and Value
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Oct 15, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

How do PBMs Determine Prescription Drug Pricing?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Sep 23, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

AWP vs. WAC: What’s the Difference?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Sep 12, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

PBM Transparency: Exposing Hidden Costs in Legacy Fee Structures
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 26, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

6 Ways Legacy PBMs Put Employers at Risk
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 16, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

What is Spread Pricing?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 14, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

PBM Formulary: What is Closed vs. Open?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Aug 8, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

The Ultimate List of Questions To Ask a Benefits Broker
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jul 24, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

The Imperative Evolution of PBMs: 6 Modern Answers to Legacy Challenges
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jul 17, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

What Is a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM)?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jul 10, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

3 Things About PBMs That Need To Change
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jun 14, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

What Is a PDL? Understanding Prescription Drug Lists
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jun 6, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

The Paradox of Cost-Based vs. Discount-Based PBM Evaluation Methods
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jun 4, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

What Is a Formulary? Understanding Prescription Drug Lists
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
May 30, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Unraveling PBM Complexity: The Consequences of Vertical Integration
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 28, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Unraveling PBM Complexity: Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) Lists
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Mar 5, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Unraveling PBM Complexity: Transparent PBM Contracts vs 100% Pass-Through Contracts
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Feb 27, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Big Health’s Threat to Community Pharmacies & Why it Matters
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Jan 9, 2024, 12:00 AM Read more

Unraveling PBM Complexity: Revealing Information Asymmetry & Hidden Fees
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Dec 6, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

A Visual Explanation of High Drug Prices in the US
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

Is there a “Twindemic” upon us?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

The Top 6 Tactics Used to Hide PBM Fees
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

Uncovering Hidden Costs in AWP & Rebate Discounts
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

What is a Biosimilar? Benefits, Costs & Employer Employer Savings Explained
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more

What is a Drug Acquisition Platform, and How is it Different from a Traditional PBM?
Learn how SmithRx transforms pharmacy benefits with real savings and member satisfaction. Our modern, transparent approach delivers higher ROI, eliminates hidden fees, and improves employee health outcomes.
Nov 16, 2023, 12:00 AM Read more