Senator Britt Battles for Rural Pharmacies!

Senator Katie Britt is not backing down! She's fighting tooth and nail for rural communities struggling with pharmacy closures.

Shining a Light on the Pharmacy Crisis

During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Britt spoke passionately to a panel of experts about the alarming rate at which rural pharmacies are vanishing, especially in Alabama. She highlighted the devastating trend of closures over the past 15 years.

The Numbers Don't Lie

"We've seen over 6,500 independent pharmacies close their doors since 2010," Britt stated. "In Alabama, data shows over 225 closures between 2015 and 2018. That's roughly one per month! In rural communities, these local pharmacies are often the only healthcare provider for miles."

PBMs in the Hot Seat

Britt didn't mince words, calling the closures "absolutely and completely unacceptable." She pointed a finger at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their role in squeezing these vital rural businesses.

"When PBMs impose retroactive clawbacks, DIR fees, and below-cost reimbursement rates, they're not just hurting profits, they're creating pharmacy deserts, pushing communities away!" she exclaimed.

More Than Just Medicine

Britt emphasized the critical "relationship aspect" of rural pharmacies. "They're essential for creating opportunities and attracting jobs," she argued. "No one will invest in a place without access to healthcare and pharmacies. It's common sense!"

She concluded, "Alabama, where the majority of our communities are rural, deserves better."