The Fight: A Clash of Generations

Let’s be real: I had no idea there was even a fight going on Friday night—unless you count the ongoing battle of "what’s for dinner?" (Spoiler alert: Tex-Mex won, as it should!).

But Netflix had other plans for me—because apparently, I was watching a boxing match—or at least pretending to—while scrolling LinkedIn and Instagram and scouting Black Friday deals. (#multitasking).

Once Mike Tyson and Jake Paul took the ring —and the stream finally worked (shoutout to anyone else who saw the technical hiccups),—I started thinking: tThis fight was about so much more than punches. It was a perfect metaphor for what’s happening in healthcare.

The Fight: A Clash of Generations

On November 15, 2024, 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson faced 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. You read that right: aA 58-year-old and a 27-year-old in a real, sanctioned fight.

While I’ll leave the online controversies to someone else’s newsletter, this got me thinking about healthcare—specifically, PBMs.

Are PBMs the aging titans in a modern arena?

In healthcare, PBMs are the longtime dominant players, much like Tyson in his prime. But the industry is evolving, with new entrants —like Jake Paul —bringing fresh approaches and shaking things up.

Here’s how the parallels stack up:

1. Age and Adaptability Tyson’s return at 58 symbolizes the established PBMs struggling to meet modern demands. Meanwhile, newer competitors, like Paul, represent agile disruptors leveraging technology and fresh strategies. But let’s be honest: —most people were still rooting for the name they knew. Sound familiar?
2. Public Perception The fight drew mixed reactions, with some questioning its legitimacy. Similarly, PBMs face scrutiny over their role in drug pricing, leaving patients and providers skeptical of their motives.
3. Technical Challenges Netflix’s streaming issues during the fight reminded us of how crucial reliable infrastructure is. For PBMs, outdated systems can hinder efficiency and patient outcomes, underscoring the need to modernize.

What PBMs Can Learn From the Fight

If PBMs want to stay relevant and effective in today’s healthcare “ring,” they need to embrace three key traits:

• Innovation: As Tyson needs to rethink his training to compete in today’s arena, PBMs must adopt new technologies and practices to keep up.
• Transparency: Like the fight itself, trust matters. Building confidence with patients and providers requires clear communication and ethical practices.
• Agility: Adapting to the ever-changing healthcare landscape is the key to longevity, just as fighters must evolve their techniques to stay in the game.

Clearly, I was really into this fight if it got me thinking about PBMs. Or maybe I was just proud I finally won the “what’s for dinner” war (Tex-Mex, obviously)...

What do you think? —iIs it time for PBMs to step back into the ring and fight for patients? Hit reply and let me know your thoughts (or your favorite Tex-Mex dish—because that’s a fight I’ll always join.).