A federal report and a family lawsuit highlight that CVS Health Caremark Rx, as one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers, has been implicated in practices that abruptly inflated life-saving drug prices without proper notice, contributing to tragic consequences for vulnerable patients.

CVS Health's profile data for the 2024 cycle shows campaign contributions of approximately $2.95 million and lobbying expenditures of about $9.46 million, highlighting significant political engagement that raises concerns about corporate influence in the political process.

A federal court ordered CVS Caremark to comply with an FTC civil investigative demand related to alleged anticompetitive behavior. The order comes after CVS Caremark repeatedly attempted to delay or distract from regulatory oversight by using bad-faith arguments.

CVS Health published detailed compliance and ethics guidelines for its suppliers, mandating adherence to applicable anti-corruption laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act. The guidelines require accurate record keeping and ethical business practices, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible supply chain management.

The FEC profile of CVS HEALTH PAC, associated with CVS Health Caremark Rx, details political fundraising and disbursement activities, including contributions to other committees. This event highlights CVS Health's use of corporate PAC funds to potentially influence political processes.

House Republicans initiated an antitrust investigation into CVS Caremark on December 12, 2024, alleging that the PBM may be leveraging its dominant market position to bar independent pharmacies from accessing digital pharmaceutical hubs, thereby stifling competition and innovation in the healthcare sector.

CVS Health published detailed disclosures outlining its political contributions, lobbying efforts, and internal oversight on its political activities in its 2024 reports. The company emphasizes transparency in reporting and compliance with federal and state laws, ensuring that its executive leadership and board set policies guiding these contributions.

CVS Health’s 2023 political contribution report details a broad and significant pattern of donations by its employee Political Action Committees to both federal and state candidates and committees. Notably, the list includes contributions to Republican candidates—such as the $5,000 donation to a federal candidate associated with Cathy McMorris Rodgers—which can be interpreted as supporting political actors whose strategies and policies have been associated with authoritarian or far‐right tendencies. This kind of funding raises concerns on the extent of corporate influence in political processes, potentially enabling power dynamics that undermine anti‐fascist, progressive values.

A civil rights complaint has been allowed to proceed by the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights against CVS Caremark. The complaint alleges that CVS' online job application collects sensitive mental health information and could be used to discriminate against applicants with mental impairments, potentially violating state anti‐discrimination laws. The ACLU has indicated it may sue the company if these practices are confirmed.

CVS Health (CVS Caremark) joined the Responsible Factory Initiative, a leading program under the Responsible Business Alliance, to provide training and tools for its global suppliers and factories. The initiative focuses on mitigating risks such as forced labor, poor health and safety standards, and environmental unsustainability, reflecting the company's commitment to ethical sourcing.