Proposed Pharmacy Bill Could be Big Win for Small Pharmacies

Recently, US Representative Tom Marino held a press conference in order to introduce legislation that could be considered a big victory for small, independent pharmacies. The HR-1946 bill empowers independent pharmacies in negotiations with pharmacy benefit managers so that they can negotiate the most important terms that affect prescription drug prices that most consumers and insurers are unaware of. The bill would allow independent pharmacies to collectively combine in order to negotiate better deal so that buying in less volume would no longer be a deterrent. Marino has six co-sponsors and continues to seek more as of June 20. He plans on talking with GOP leadership in order to get the bill to move forward and hopes that it will come to the House floor for a vote this year.

Marino views this legislation as a win for everyone. It would not cost the government any money, and would greatly benefit the more than 23,000 independent community pharmacies in the United States that currently account for 300,000 American jobs. By allowing the community pharmacies to work together as a collective unit, they are able to better negotiate prices with pharmacy benefit managers instead of just receiving take it or leave it contracts. This would allow the community pharmacies to pass down the benefits and savings to the consumers, as they would no longer have to base their pharmacy preferences on a financial reason but rather where they feel the best about going for their prescription drug needs.

It will be interesting to follow this legislation through the House and see if it is approved, and also how if does effect the drug prices at local pharmacies around the country in the future.

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