FTC versus the PBMs: The Battle to Lower Insulin Prices and Reform PBMs

The FTC has filed a lawsuit against major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), accusing them of inflating insulin prices through anticompetitive practices that harm patients. This legal battle could lead to significant PBM reforms, ensuring fair pricing for essential medications like insulin. The lawsuit highlights the rising cost of insulin, forcing many patients to ration their medication or go without due to high out-of-pocket expenses. If successful, the case could set a new precedent in holding PBMs accountable and improving access to affordable medications for millions of patients.

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Delaying DSCSA Enforcement: The Right Decision for all the Right Reasons

Brian Nightengale, EVP and President of Healthcare at Inmar Intelligence, discusses the FDA’s recent decision to delay DSCSA enforcement. The delay offers pharmaceutical supply chain partners more time to fully achieve compliance and address operational challenges related to electronic interoperability and product traceability. Nightengale praises the decision as a thoughtful and proactive move to prevent disruptions in medication distribution while maintaining focus on patient safety and the integrity of the supply chain. He urges industry stakeholders to continue prioritizing efforts toward full DSCSA compliance.

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You Previously Qualified for a Small Dispenser DSCSA Exemption. Now What?

This article, originally published in Pharmacy Times, explores the DSCSA exemption for small dispensers and outlines their current and future regulatory obligations. It highlights the importance of staying compliant with key DSCSA requirements, including verifying trading partner licenses, maintaining product tracing documentation, and preparing for full electronic interoperability by the 2026 deadline.

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Rethinking Healthcare: Why Pharmacists Should Be Recognized as Providers

The article advocates for recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers, enabling them to offer more comprehensive care and help address physician shortages, especially in underserved areas. This change would improve patient outcomes and expand healthcare access.

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PBMs on Notice: NYCBS Victory Signals Major Changes Ahead

New York Cancer and Blood Specialists' $22M win against Caremark challenges PBM DIR fees, sparking potential legal and regulatory shifts. While a major victory for pharmacies, eliminating DIR fees could raise Medicare Part D premiums. Legislative and regulatory changes may reshape PBM practices and impact both pharmacies and beneficiaries.

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The Final Stretch: Is Your Pharmacy Ready for DSCSA Compliance?

As the November 27, 2024, deadline for full DSCSA compliance looms, the pharmacy industry finds itself in a critical phase of preparation. The recent NACDS Total Store Expo (TSE) in Boston revealed that many pharmacies are facing significant challenges, with the clock ticking down rapidly.

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Here’s How We Get Private Insurers to Buy In on Value-Based Care

Value-based care is seen as healthcare’s next evolution, prioritizing whole-health outcomes over the usual volume of symptom treatments. This approach has profound implications for cost management, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare quality. However, transitioning from traditional fee-for-service models to value-based care faces challenges, particularly regarding payer motivation and long-term investment. The growing attention around “food as medicine” is part of this, and pharmacists have an opportunity to contribute.

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Pharmacies Can Help Fix the Misuse of Opioid Abatement Funds

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals a sobering statistic: about one in three Americans have lost someone to a drug overdose. This alarming figure underscores the severity of the opioid crisis gripping the nation..

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Make maximum use of pharmacies to drive loyalty

The drivers of connection with shoppers are the products you offer, the convenience you provide and the value you deliver.

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