Independent Pharmacists Ramp Up Push for PBM Reform

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Independent pharmacists have been advocating to legislators over the past several months. However, they recently shifted focus towards educating others as their next move forward.

During this legislative session, pharmacists such as Gaston Box from Saver Express Pharmacy in Ridgeland found themselves out of their usual element. They have been advocating strongly for changes in the system related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). These PBMs act as intermediaries between pharmacies and health insurers.

Ultimately, we must do whatever it takes to keep our businesses running," Gaston Box stated. "Our survival depends on this. We're battling for the chance to support our community.

The company claims they are receiving reimbursement that falls significantly short of their expenses for numerous medications.

There are numerous aspects that individuals fail to recognize,"Box continued. "We experience them daily; they're part of our existence and routine. Perhaps due to the pain we endure, we tend to believe others understand what we're going through. However, realizing they don't leads us to conclude that giving up isn't an option.

They've introduced "The SIP," which stands for "Supporting Independent Pharmacists," as a method to navigate the complex details surrounding PBMs and their alleged role in the closure of numerous pharmacies across the state.

All of the states around us that share borders with Mississippi have enacted significant laws either this year or in recent years, a few years back," stated Fair Jones, a pharmacist and proprietor of Sav-More Drugs in Grenada. "We seem to be lagging behind, and I understand. That’s not what anyone wants. It’s something we cannot afford.

The conflict reached a conference committee stage, yet it was altered to such an extent that pharmacists were not interested in a legislation offering no substantial modifications to pricing.

“We must ensure our businesses survive, and the PBMs won’t cease their actions,”Jones stated additionally.“Therefore, we have to persist and continue battling.”

They want reforms included in a special session call; however, if this doesn’t happen, they will attempt again during the next session.

For those who want to learn more about the issue and join the movement, they're pointing them towards The SIP for PBM Reform Facebook page and the recently launched website. www.thesipforpbmreform.org .

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