The Devil Wore a Lab Coat & PBM Reform in Illinois | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – October 10, 2025 🎙️ Featured Guests: John Covello – Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) Garth Reynolds – Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) Illinois pharmacy owners, this episode is for you. With the passage of HB 1697, a $70 million lifeline is now available to support independent pharmacies across the state—but the clock is ticking. The October 31st deadline is critical. Covello and Reynolds break down: The Critical Access Pharmacy Fund – how it strengthens local pharmacies. The DECO program – what it means for reimbursement. Patient Self-Management Programs (PSMP) – driving patient care and outcomes. The one-minute attestation that unlocks enhanced Medicaid dispensing fees. If you’re a pharmacy owner in Illinois, this could be the most important 30 minutes you’ll spend this month. 🎶 Special Feature: Mary Kutter This week, TWIRx also spotlights Mary Kutter, a rising country singer-songwriter from Kentucky. Known for her gritty, truthful storytelling, Kutter’s music explores themes of family, small-town struggles, and the opioid crisis. With viral songs like “Devil’s Money” and “The Devil Wore a Lab Coat”, plus songwriting credits for artists like Bailey Zimmerman, Kutter’s voice is shaping the soundtrack of rural America. Signed with Reservoir Media, she brings a raw perspective on how music can confront issues like addiction while honoring her Kentucky roots. 💡 Episode Highlights: The $70M opportunity Illinois pharmacies can’t afford to miss. How independent pharmacies can secure financial stability through HB 1697. Why Medicaid fee enhancements could change the game. Mary Kutter on blending country grit with the reality of the opioid epidemic. 📌 Don’t miss this episode of This Week in Pharmacy. It’s where policy, patient care, and culture intersect.