At least 15 states have laws that are supposed to keep the firms' deals from wiping out too much health care market competition.

The providers say vision benefit managers now control 70% of the market, the plans disagree, and both sides want to win over state legislators.

As alternative PBM models seek to up-end a payer’s longstanding relationship with a large PBM, they must be prepared to support clients with smart technology and innovative solutions that enable real-time data, increase transparency and ensure better pricing that impacts drug purchasing decisions.

New research indicates majority of workers are tuned into technology and more inclined to stay with their employer because of their benefits package.

Older employees have seen an average reduction of just under one hour per person per week, while younger employees have reduced their hours by nearly two hours.

Rep. Tim Walberg, the lead sponsor, now chairs a key congressional committee, and he thinks the bill can help solve small employers' insurance problems.

Some say Affordable Care Act oversight was spared but Medicare contract oversight was hit hard.

Emphasizing and educating on the importance of seeking more immediate care does not solve the problem. The problem lies in cost.