“Independent pharmacies are accessible healthcare providers that are so much more than just pill counters.”
Advocates like Brandi Chane of American Pharmacies notes in some areas, drugstores may be the only local source for vaccinations, health screenings and over-the-counter advice.
“In order to ensure these independent pharmacies can continue to stay in business, they must be protected on the financial side. That is: ensuring they are property reimbursed whenever they fill a medication.”
Chane says independent, locally owned pharmacies are closing across Michigan, due to low reimbursement rates and the fee structure imposed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
PBMs are third-party companies acting as middlemen between drug manufacturers, health insurance plans, and retail pharmacies.
They were designed to streamline and oversee the process.
“The people doing the work, the pharmacy, isn’t seeing the majority of the money.”
Grand Rapids Kay Pharmacy’s Kevin Coelzer says state-level reform of the Pharmacy Benefit Manager system is necessary, and existing laws need to be enforced to ensure small independent pharmacies remain financially viable.
“When you go into a pharmacy and expect any type of service, people need to remember, the pharmacist is losing money on the prescription most likely.”
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