Congressional fly-in advocates for PBM reform and pharmacy access

Independent community pharmacy advocates gathered on Capitol Hill this week during the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In. Their primary aim was to advocate for robust pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform legislation and to encourage the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to adjust the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program implementation.

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) initiated the event on April 30, providing insights on PBM reform and budget reconciliation. The attendees, informed by NCPA staff and health policy experts, visited Capitol Hill on May 1 to express their concerns.

“Egregious PBM practices have led to the closure of thousands of community pharmacies just over the past few years, creating pharmacy deserts and pharmacy abandonment throughout the country and greatly limiting patient access to care,” remarked Jeff Harrell, PharmD, the 2024-2025 NCPA president. He added that in Washington state alone, 83 pharmacies closed in the latter half of 2023. Harrell urged for urgent reform, noting bipartisan support in Congress and potential taxpayer savings.

This year's Fly-In attracted pharmacists from 39 states and the District of Columbia, reaching full capacity for the second consecutive year. Participants had over 280 meetings in congressional offices, involving more than 1,100 interactions.

Community pharmacists pressed Congress to finalize PBM reform legislation aimed at prohibiting spread pricing in Medicaid managed care, establishing transparent reimbursement systems, and defining “reasonable and relevant” contract terms for Medicare Part D. They also advocated for fair Medicare payment for pharmacist services.

Additionally, pharmacists encouraged House members to sign a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz. The letter, led by Carter and Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), urges CMS to prevent pharmacies from pre-funding the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and to ensure patient access to drugs and services.

The next Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In is set for April 15-16, 2026. NCPA, representing over 18,900 pharmacies nationwide, continues to be a voice for community pharmacists.

Founded in 1898, NCPA strives to support community pharmacies as accessible health care providers across America. More information is available at www.ncpa.org.