Advocating Amidst Uncertainty and A Tad Bit of Chaos: PUTT’s 2025 Priorities

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While new presidential administrations are always times of uncertainty, unique factors have made the second Trump Administration especially uncertain as Congress actively considers the best and most appropriate vehicle for advancing PBM reform ahead of the March 14th government funding deadline.

At PUTT, we remain cautiously optimistic (new administration chaos and uncertainty notwithstanding) and want to make clear our 2025 priorities:

PBM & Reimbursement Reform at the State and Federal Level

Our foremost priority remains advocating for reforming how PBMs reimburse pharmacies: ending below-acquisition cost reimbursements; BER/GER and other clawback schemes; and paying pharmacies a professional dispensing fee. We will continue to advocate for policies that end spread pricing; stop PBM self-dealing and patient steering; and end practices that allow PBMs to profit from perverse incentives.

Supporting the Pharmacists Fight Back Act when re-filed, and other bills that restore a fair competitive environment for pharmacies. We’re there for the Patients Before Monopolies Act, and will throw our full support behind Rep. Greg Murphy’s epilepsy bill because pharmacist don’t just fight back, we give back. We’ll continue publishing Lauren’s “Legislative Updates” and will be actively encouraging participation on Capitol Hill at NCPA’s Fly In, April 30-May 1.

Exposing Myths and Misconceptions about State Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABS)

We are turning attention to the need to educate the public and state lawmakers about the pitfalls of relying on PDABs as a “cost savings” solution to high drug prices. We aim to dispel myths and misconceptions around these entities, emphasizing their importance in ensuring access to affordable medications for all patients while ensuring local pharmacies remain viable and are not locked into systems that all but guarantee below-cost reimbursements for PDAB selected drugs.

Empowering Members to Advocate for Themselves

We believe in the power of grassroots advocacy. This year we’re putting special focus on empowering members to engage in both local and national advocacy efforts. This will include resources, training, and support to help you advocate effectively for their profession and patients.

Establishing strong, productive relationships with elected officials is crucial. Our focus will be on equipping our members with the tools and strategies needed to cultivate these relationships, ensuring that pharmacists have a voice in legislative matters that affect healthcare delivery.

By prioritizing these initiatives, we aim to slow the rate of pharmacy closures; protect patient access to care and medication; and restore hope and confidence that pharmacy and pharmacy ownership is both noble and viable. We look forward to working with each and every one of you toward making 2025 a strong, successful year for PBM reform!

Monique Whitney, PUTT Executive Director

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Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency
Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency

Written by Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency

PUTT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of independent pharmacy & fighting against PBM anti-competitive business tactics. TruthRx.org

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