Tri County News

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Tim Barhorst (R-Ft. Loramie) and Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) recently unveiled House Bill 505, named the Community Pharmacy Protection Act. The bill aims to address issues related to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices and the current state of prescription drug access in Ohio.

Barhorst highlighted the urgent need for the legislation, stating, "Community pharmacies across the country are being bankrupted because of a system that requires them to dispense pharmaceuticals at a loss." He further emphasized the potential consequences, noting, "Inevitably, this trend will lead to pharmacy deserts in all corners of Ohio. We need HB 505 to keep our mom-and-pop pharmacies in business and ensure healthcare access for all Ohioans."

Stewart echoed these sentiments, expressing concern for local pharmacists in his district. He said, "I have a lot of community pharmacists in my district who say they need help. These are good business people who have been in their communities for decades serving patients. We don’t want to have a situation where residents are driving significant distances to get vital prescriptions filled."

The introduction of the Community Pharmacy Protection Act comes in response to the distressing trend of small, local pharmacies closing down across Ohio due to PBM practices impacting drug supply chain reimbursements. The legislation seeks to address this issue by requiring PBMs to provide transparency on drug costs to relevant parties, ultimately aiming to safeguard the viability of community pharmacies in the state.

The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment as legislators work towards protecting the interests of Ohio's community pharmacies and ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services for residents.