States should not adopt laws that close drugstores
Your state legislator may cause your local drugstore to close. Almost a third of America’s pharmacies closed in recent years; new state laws may lead to more shutdowns by making many drugstores’ business models illegal.
TL;DR
- New state laws may lead to the closure of approximately one-third of America's pharmacies.
- These laws target Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), which act as middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
- Critics argue that state laws could shut down pharmacies affiliated with PBMs, creating advantages for competitors.
- Federal reforms addressing PBM practices are set to take effect in 2028, aiming to lower drug costs for consumers.
- A federal judge ruled a controversial Arkansas law unconstitutional, and similar laws in other states are being challenged.
- Lawsuits and settlements have already led to significant changes in PBM practices, including restrictions on markups and rebates.
- Concerns exist that state laws will harm consumers by limiting pharmacy options before federal reforms can be implemented.