Dear Editor,
Preston Pharmacy at Risk: SF 383 Decision Could Seal Our Fate
To the residents of Preston, my name is Patrick Lester, and I am the pharmacist at Hartig Drug, your trusted local pharmacy. I am writing to you today with an urgent message regarding the future of our pharmacy and the healthcare access of our community.
Our pharmacy, like many others across Iowa, is facing a crisis due to the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). These practices have made it increasingly difficult for us to operate sustainably. We are often forced to dispense medications at a financial loss, sometimes up to 40% of the cost, leading to significant losses and threatening our very existence.
The state legislature recently passed SF 383, a crucial bill that aims to address the issues caused by PBMs. This bill, which has received widespread support, including from 80% of Iowa voters, would provide much-needed relief for local pharmacies and ensure patients’ access to their chosen pharmacies. However, its fate now rests with Governor Reynolds.
SF 383 includes several vital provisions that will directly impact our ability to stay open:
? Fair Reimbursement: It mandates a transparent and predictable pharmaceutical reimbursement rate (NADAC + $10.68 per prescription), ensuring we are not forced to sell medications at a loss.
? Patient Choice: The bill protects patients’ right to choose their pharmacy and pharmacist, preventing mandatory mail order and pharmacy-steering practices.
? PBM Oversight: It requires quarterly reporting from PBMs and regulates their pricing practices, putting an end to spread pricing and ensuring pass-through pricing.
? Non-discrimination: The bill ensures pharmacists are treated fairly and can act within their scope of practice without discriminatory practices from PBMs.
If Governor Reynolds does not sign SF 383 into law, the consequences for our pharmacy and our community will be dire. Over 200 pharmacies in Iowa have closed in the past decade, with more than 30 shutting down last year alone. Without this bill, we are at risk of becoming another statistic. Our closure would mean:
? Reduced Access to Care: Our community, especially our elderly and vulnerable populations, would lose a vital healthcare resource.
? Job Losses: Our dedicated staff would lose their jobs.
? Economic Impact: The closure would negatively impact our local economy.
I am urging you to contact Governor Reynolds and ask her to sign SF 383 into law. Tell her how important our local pharmacy is to you and our community. Let her know that signing this bill is not just about supporting pharmacies; it’s about protecting access to healthcare for all Iowans.
It’s crucial that we stand together and fight for our local pharmacy. We need your voice to ensure that our doors remain open and that we can continue to serve you, our neighbors and friends. Please visit www.patientsfirst.org/iowa for more information about what is happening and how you can help.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely, Patrick Lester (Pharmacist – Hartig Drug, Preston)
