It’s no secret our industry is under immense pressure. And it’s not just about money.

Community pharmacy as we know it is in danger. We have been stretched to a breaking point by non-competitive payment models set by those at the top of the corporate food chain. So far we have been practically powerless to stop it, but soon we won’t have a choice. Patients, caregivers, and pharmacies are all placed at risk when there aren’t enough resources to fulfill our purpose.

The impact of pharmacists on public health is well-documented. Pharmacists have been named “the most accessible healthcare practitioners”. However that notion is being challenged by the third parties on which many patients rely for prescription drug coverage, the Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBM’s). Non-competitive business practices such as forced mail order, preferred or restricted pharmacy networks, and razor-thin profit margins lock patients out of quality pharmacies, whether directly or indirectly.

While pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open, the healthcare industry shows no signs of shrinking nor simplifying, and many pharmacists are burning out under the pressure.

The trend is simple. Over time drug prices, co-pays, and insurance premiums increase, while insurance payments to pharmacies for drugs decrease, and more restrictions are placed on patients’ access to medication. All while we pay dramatically inflated prices compared to other countries for identical treatments. It’s time to start asking:

“Where is my money going?!”

We on the front lines owe it to ourselves to advocate for fair payment models and recognition of our full potential in order to continue serving our communities.