PBM Problems (Part 4): Challenges & Solutions for Independent Pharmacies w/ National Community Pharmacists Association

Pharmacists are one of the most trusted professions, yet more and more pharmacies are closing. A recent survey found 2275 pharmacies have closed so far this year, and every day independent pharmacies are shuttering their doors – often leaving “pharmacy deserts” in their wake.  Vertically-consolidated Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have made it practically impossible for local pharmacies to survive, and we’re all paying the price.  But independent pharmacists are speaking out and pushing back – and they’ve secured wins!  General Counsel for the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Matt Seiler joins MTVA to discuss the current state of community pharmacy, how “shareholder capitalism” got us here, and what comes next. NCPA is the voice for independent pharmacy, representing the interests of nearly 19,000 community pharmacies across the country.  Despite the challenges facing his industry, Matt is optimistic that desperately-needed PBM reform is on the horizon.  “If there’s one thing that’s brought the political parties together in our country, it’s the dislike for pharmacy benefit managers.”  Listen to learn more about the unique role community pharmacists play in the health system, why PBM consolidation is particularly acute at the local level, and how NCPA has helped secure bipartisan support for reining in PBMs.  Check out the other episodes in our “PBM Problems” series:  Part 1 w/ ERISA Attorney Paul Holmes Part 2 w/ Mutual Rx CEO Roy Wilkinson Part 3 w/ Luke Slindee, PharmD ———————————— We’re excited to welcome like-minded organizations and individuals to join the MTVA Membership program!  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on support from our grassroots network to advance our mission of creating a value-based health system with high-quality patient outcomes at a reasonable cost. We’re proud to offer two membership models, Ally Member and Trade Member. Tax-deductible membership contributions help us enrich the healthcare environment with quality content – including this podcast – and robust platforms to fuel discussion, collaboration, and advocacy that lead to ground-breaking solutions.  For more information and to join us, visit our website https://www.movingtovalue.org/membership. All episodes of MTVA Unscripted can be found⁠ ⁠here⁠⁠.