STAT+: Cigna, extending reach into prescription drugs, acquires major pharmacy used by hospitals

STAT News · Feb 26, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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By Bob HermanFeb. 26, 2026 Business of Health Care Reporter Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09.Cigna has acquired CarepathRx, a large pharmacy backed by private equity that dispenses prescription drugs to nearly 10% of U.S. hospitals. The acquisition, discovered by STAT in a review of Cigna’s financial filings, reinforces the company’s push to control more of the lucrative flow of pharmaceuticals through the U.S. health care system. Cigna executives have repeatedly told investors that managing prescription drugs has been one of their highest priorities since the company acquired Express Scripts for $54 billion in 2018. It’s also the latest example of health insurers expanding well outside of their core business, a strategy known as “vertical integration” that has defined the industry over the past two decades. As a result, fewer companies now control more parts of the health care system, a shift that has drawn the ire of antitrust officials who worry the consolidation is harming consumers and making health care more expensive. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe