CASE STUDY

A Client-Centric Approach

Introduction.

At PBM NEGOTIATOR™, our client-centric approach is the foundation of our success in optimizing Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) agreements. With a deep commitment to understanding client needs and delivering proactive, customized solutions, we help plan sponsors secure favorable PBM contracts that align with their financial objectives and fiduciary responsibilities.

One of our greatest strengths is a tailored, client-first methodology that consistently drives significant cost savings, improves rebate transparency, and ensures regulatory compliance in PBM negotiations.

 
Understanding Client Objectives: The First Step in Successful PBM Negotiations

Effective PBM negotiations begin with a deep understanding of each plan sponsor’s unique challenges and goals. PBM NEGOTIATOR™ starts every engagement with comprehensive consultations, identifying key cost drivers, compliance concerns, and contract inefficiencies. This personalized approach allows us to develop targeted negotiation strategies that align with our clients’ financial priorities and operational needs.

Example of Application: Tailored PBM Contract Reviews

For a large self-funded employer struggling with escalating prescription drug costs and opaque rebate structures, our team conducted a thorough analysis of their PBM contract. By identifying outdated pricing models, excessive administrative fees, and non-transparent rebate practices, we developed a targeted negotiation strategy.

This resulted in the client securing:

  • Full pass-through of rebates, eliminating hidden PBM markups
  • More transparent pricing terms, aligning with new state-level PBM regulations
  • Performance-based cost reductions, ensuring ongoing financial efficiency

Proactive Contract Review and Issue Spotting

A key strength of PBM NEGOTIATOR™’s client-focused approach is our proactive issue spotting. Our team conducts detailed contract audits, identifying pricing discrepancies, non-transparent rebate arrangements, and compliance risks before they become costly liabilities.

Real-World Success: Identifying Cost Savings Opportunities

In a recent engagement with a mid-sized employer, our PBM contract review revealed inflated dispensing fees and ambiguous cost-sharing structures that were driving up drug costs unnecessarily.

By renegotiating these terms, we secured:

  • A significant reduction in per-prescription administrative fees
  • More transparent cost-sharing agreements
  • An estimated six-figure annual savings for the employer

This case highlights how proactive PBM contract reviews can uncover substantial financial opportunities while ensuring regulatory alignment.

Strategic Application of Legislative Expertise

Our client-centric approach extends to the strategic application of legislative knowledge. With new state and federal laws targeting PBM pricing transparency, rebate structures, and fiduciary accountability, it is crucial that plan sponsors’ contracts reflect these updated legal standards.

Case Highlight: Leveraging NSA Provisions for Client Advantage

One client—a large, multi-state employer—was struggling with a lack of transparency in their PBM’s pricing disclosures. By applying our deep expertise in PBM compliance regulations, we successfully negotiated clearer rebate structures and cost disclosures, resulting in:

  • Good faith pricing estimates included in the PBM contract
  • Stronger cost controls through more predictable rebate pass-throughs
  • A reduction in hidden administrative fees

This improved financial predictability and compliance while ensuring the client retained control over pharmacy benefit spending.

 Partner-Led Collaboration for Optimal Results

At PBM NEGOTIATOR™, we prioritize senior-level engagement throughout the PBM negotiation process. Unlike larger firms where junior associates handle key negotiations, our experienced legal and benefits professionals work directly with clients to ensure high-impact results.

The Value of Partner-Led Negotiations

During a complex PBM renegotiation with a major national PBM, our partner-led discussions were instrumental in securing:

  • Stronger performance guarantees tied to service levels
  • Access to more detailed drug pricing data
  • Tighter contract language preventing mid-term cost increases


By emphasizing client-specific financial goals and compliance requirements, we successfully strengthened contract protections and enhanced financial predictability for the client.


Comprehensive, Long-Term Support

Our commitment to clients doesn’t end when the PBM contract is signed. PBM NEGOTIATOR™ provides ongoing contract monitoring and compliance support, ensuring that:

  • PBMs uphold their contractual commitments
  • Rebates and cost-sharing terms remain transparent
  • Clients remain compliant with evolving regulations


Ongoing Oversight: An Example in Action

A multi-state employer engaged PBM NEGOTIATOR™ to review and renegotiate their PBM contract, addressing both federal and state-specific compliance challenges.

After securing more favorable terms, we continued to provide:

  • Ongoing compliance monitoring
  • Strategic renegotiation recommendations as new regulations emerged
  • Regular cost-saving audits


This sustained engagement has resulted in continuous cost reductions and stronger fiduciary protections for the client.

 
Conclusion

PBM NEGOTIATOR™’s client-centric approach is more than a methodology—it is the foundation of our success. By understanding each client’s unique needs, identifying key cost-saving opportunities, and leveraging regulatory expertise, we help plan sponsors achieve significant financial and compliance-driven improvements in PBM agreements.

Our partner-led, strategic approach ensures that clients receive expert negotiation support throughout the contract lifecycle, delivering millions in value through smarter, more transparent PBM agreements.

Your Path to Optimized PBM Agreements Starts Here

Optimizing your PBM contract isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about building sustainable, transparent partnerships that benefit your organization and plan participants. At PBM NEGOTIATOR™, we’re committed to turning your contracts into tools for financial efficiency, compliance, and long-term value creation. Contact us today to learn how our client-centric approach can transform your PBM agreements and drive measurable financial impact.

I have been working with HBL and had nothing but wonderful experiences to date. Whether plan corrections, documents, or legal consultation, Anne Tyler Hall and her team bring care and expertise in balance.



James M. Counsel

The lawyers at HBL are absolutely top notch! They listen carefully, offer expert advice, and truly help guide their clients through complex situations. They talk to clients as peers, explaining what needs to be clarified in clear terms, not a mouthful of legalese.

Diane E. Counsel

The HBL team have provided the best legal representation I could have asked for. They worked diligently to handle my case, and did so not only in the utmost professional manner, but with a thorough knowledge of the law and the ability to negotiate and effect a fair settlement.

Leslie H. Counsel