Ensuring Access to Independent Pharmacy Services

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) and Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (D-Manhattan) announced the passage of their legislation which will ensure New Yorkers have access to independent pharmacy services by requiring local pharmacists be reimbursed at fair and sustainable rates for the prescriptions they dispense.

The bill levels the playing field for retail pharmacies in a number of ways:
It mandates managed care plans reimburse pharmacies at or above fee-for-service rates.

Currently, pharmacies are often reimbursed below cost for prescriptions that they fill;

It allows pharmacies the opportunity to participate in another provider’s network under the medical assistance program; and

It ensures patients have the opportunity to receive prescriptions from brick and mortar stores rather than be forced to order through mail-only services.

“For the many ‘mom and pop’ pharmacies responsible for the life-saving community care we’ve seen throughout the course of this pandemic, this legislation is a serious life-line,” said Senator Skoufis. “Family-owned pharmacies are nearing extinction from our downtowns and Main Streets because the cost of doing business far outpaces the reimbursements they receive from big pharma to fill prescriptions. Community pharmacies need our help in this fight, and our legislation is a huge step in the right direction.”

“Independent pharmacies are under assault from chain pharmacies and health plans pushing corporate consolidation,” said Assemblymember Gottfried. “This bill is an important step to ensure adequate reimbursement and protection from abusive network and mail order requirements meant to drive independents to sell to big chain companies. I thank the Pharmacists Society and all the independent pharmacists who helped us move this bill and I urge Governor Cuomo to sign it.”

“Albany has taken an important first step in keeping New Yorkers healthy by passing critical legislation that will protect independent pharmacists and their patients from out of control prescription drug middlemen,” added Pharmacists Society of the State of New York President Karl Williams. “For years, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have kept drug prices high, reduced patient choice, ripped off taxpayers and put neighborhood pharmacies out of business. We applaud Senator Skoufis and Assembly Health Committee Chair Gottfried for their leadership in taking on PBMs and supporting neighborhood pharmacies, and we call on the Governor to put an immediate end to these abuses by signing this essential and broadly supported bill into law without delay.”

Senator Skoufis and Assemblymember Gottfried remain committed to ensuring fair access to essential health services. The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.