Congress Must Prioritize The PBM Reform Act

From Lauren Bumgardner, Gaston County Resident 

Independent pharmacies have long been cornerstones of communities across North Carolina, but many of them are struggling to survive because of abusive practices from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These middlemen set the reimbursement rates for medications and dictate which pharmacies remain in their networks. Lately, those decisions have pushed too many small pharmacies to the edge. 

I’ve heard from pharmacists who are forced to dispense essential medications at a loss because PBMs won’t reimburse them fairly. Others have been hit with fees they never expected or have had long-standing patients steered away to PBM-owned chain pharmacies. In a rural state like North Carolina, losing even one pharmacy can create a serious access problem. Some families suddenly find themselves driving long distances just to pick up basic medications — all because PBMs decided it was more profitable to push out smaller providers. 

These closures aren’t just business losses. They leave entire communities without accessible care, and the effects can be devastating for seniors and people managing chronic conditions. 

Congress must step in, and I hope our lawmakers will prioritize legislation like the PBM Reform Act, which could help protect independent pharmacies and ensure that North Carolinians aren’t left in pharmacy deserts created by PBM abuse. Our communities depend on these pharmacies, and it’s time for Congress to act before more of them disappear.