Skip to content
Independent Pharmacies at a Crossroads: Join the Conversation on PBM Reform
For too long, independent pharmacists have carried the weight of a system that increasingly works against them. From below-cost reimbursements to clawbacks and opaque practices, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have shaped an uneven playing field that threatens not only the livelihood of community pharmacies—but also the access and quality of care patients rely on.
- Anthony V. Minniti, BScPharm, RPh, FACA, Owner/RPIC of the Bell Rexall Pharmacy
- Key Takeaway – We are in the midst of a historic period for the profession of pharmacy. Never before have we, as pharmacists, been on the precipice of such a revolution in our professional roles. It’s imperative that we all recognize this reality and rise to meet this moment. We have a once in a century opportunity to chart an entirely new course for the profession of pharmacy, so it’s imperative that we’re engaged and making our voices heard.
- Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP, Pharmacy Gladiator, President & CEO, Phipps Pharmacy, PhippsCARE, and Health Insurance Solutions
- Key Takeaway -Pharmacists are excellent patient care providers and we should utilize this experience in advocacy. In patient care, pharmacists educate, motivate and tell stories maximize the best patient outcomes. In advocacy, pharmacists need to lean on this experience to educate legislators, motivate them to make change by telling stories. This action is paramount for us to protect the profession, and the profession will then protect the patient.
- Senator Evan Vickers, FACA, Utah State Senator and President, Bulloch’s Drug Store
- Key Takeaway – Stay engaged on a political level. The statement “if you don’t want to get involved in politics then get out of pharmacy” is so relevant today and in the future. Develop relationships with your state senator, state representative, US Congressman or Congresswoman, and your two US Senators. Invite them to your practice setting and tell your story. Reach out through text and email and NEVER use a form email. Be concise, short and to the point. Always tell them who you are, who you represent and where you live and practice. Also, offer your expertise in the future if they have questions.
- Mark Ey, RPh, Senior Vice President and COO, National Community Pharmacists Association
- Key Takeaway -I mentioned during the call: If you are not involved in politics, get out of pharmacy.
We are closer to PBM reform than ever before. Now is the time to double down on our efforts and keep the pressure up on elected officials in both state and federal governments. If you are doing nothing, its time to get involved and if you are already participating in advocacy, step it up a notch or two.
- Key Takeaway -I mentioned during the call: If you are not involved in politics, get out of pharmacy.
Click the picture above to watch the video from the Town Hall.
The conversation explored the evolving landscape of PBM reform, examined key legislation that was in motion, and outlined practical steps pharmacists could take to protect their practice and advocate for fairer systems. Featuring firsthand accounts and insights from policymakers, it was more than just a policy briefing—it served as a forum where pharmacists were seen, heard, and empowered.
Questions? email membership@acainfo.org or call 901-383-8119.
Martha M. Rumore, PharmD, Esq, MS, LLM, FAPhA is a pharmacist-attorney in Frier Levitt’s Life Sciences Department. She is also a registered patent attorney and leads the firm’s Intellectual property team. She has broad and in-depth healthcare and regulatory experience. Her practice focuses on intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets) and healthcare law, Food, Drug, Device & Cosmetic law (all facets-483s to clinical trials to registrations and product approval), pharmacy law and regulatory issues, 503A/503B compounding, Board of Pharmacy (licensing and disciplinary matters), PBM audits, and DSCSA supply chain compliance. Dr. Rumore has over 25 years of health-system, pharmaceutical industry, and law firm experience in the area of Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law, and pharmaceutical intellectual property Dr. Rumore is fluent in cGMPs, GCPs, writing and reviewing Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), Investigator brochures, manuscripts, labeling & advertising review, NDAs, study reports, and documents for regulatory submissions. She often prepares legal memoranda on healthcare/FDA matters and conducts Mock State Board of Pharmacy and FDA inspections for compounding pharmacies. Dr. Rumore has practiced both pharmacy and law. She has actual experience as a compounding pharmacist. She regularly counsels on Section 503A and state-specific compounding requirements, assesses compounding practices for state and federal regulatory compliance, including USP 797/795/800, medical necessity documentation, advertising & promotion, reimbursement issues, infrastructure, and preparing compounding policies and procedures that provide clear guidelines, standards, and training for staff. Previously, she was at the Director level in Drug Regulatory Affairs/Compliance in the pharmaceutical industry and hospital pharmacy. She taught Pharmacy Law, Drug Regulatory Affairs, and Food Drug & Cosmetic Law at several New York Colleges of Pharmacy and currently teaches Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. She is a frequent lecturer and has over 200 publications and presentations.
Dr. Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP, the pharmacy gladiator, is a pharmacy doctor, entrepreneur, president, and CEO at Phipps Pharmacy. Phipps Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy who provides pharmacy doctor provided patient care including traditional dispensing, compounding services, long-term care pharmacy services, and tailor-made prescription compounding to patients in middle and west Tennessee. Dr. Jay is also the President and CEO of PhippsCare that focuses on Pharmacy Doctor provided healthcare and Health Insurance Solutions which specializes in medical and pharmacy insurance plans for seniors.
