The Federal Trade Commission’s new report on prescription drug middlemen paints a stark picture. Not only for patients caught in the crosshairs of organizations’ pharmacy benefit managers but…
paints a stark picture. Not only for patients caught in the crosshairs of organizations’ pharmacy benefit managers but also independent pharmacists. To quote Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan: “Pharmacy benefit managers can squeeze independent pharmacies that many Americans — especially those in rural communities — depend on for essential care.” As a local pharmacist, I feel this firsthand, in our rural communities but especially in our urban centers.
At least one-third of the patients we serve are unhoused. We work closely with Family Health Centers of San Diego to meet patients where they are, with some needing HIV or hepatitis C treatments brought directly to them. Some hep-C medications cost more than $29,000 upfront, yet, after billing the pharmacy benefit managers , we are reimbursed $600-$900 less. On average, pharmacies lose $200 on medications for the treatment and prevention of HIV.
I should not have to spend hours on the phone with pharmacy benefit managers, getting transferred to different phone numbers and extensions to ultimately be disconnected. But I would never make one of my patients to go through that miserable process. Unfortunately, I don’t know how much longer pharmacists like me will be able to help.
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