State Rep. Tim Barhorst | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Tim Barhorst | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Tim Barhorst has highlighted the urgent need for legislative measures to address the growing issue of pharmacy shortages in Ohio. This follows recent data from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy that shows a significant number of pharmacy closures across the state.
The data reveals that 215 retail pharmacies closed in Ohio during 2024, comprising 19 independent, 14 small chain, and 182 large chain pharmacies. In 2025, an additional 35 closures have been recorded, including hospital outpatient, independent, small chain, and large chain pharmacies. Since 2015, there has been a 19 percent reduction in the number of retail pharmacies in Ohio.
“The 2025 renewal license data shows a dramatic loss of 215 Ohio pharmacies last year alone,” said Rep. Barhorst. “This, combined with the past year’s losses, demonstrates the concerning number of surviving pharmacies operating on their last leg and paints a very grim future for Ohio pharmacies and vital patient access.”
In response to this situation, Rep. Barhorst introduced House Bill 192 earlier this year. The bill seeks to protect independent pharmacies by ensuring fair business practices and greater transparency in prescription drug pricing.
House Bill 192 includes several key protections against practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). It bans PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies that report violations or exercise legal rights. The bill also prevents PBMs from imposing additional accreditation requirements beyond those mandated by the State Board of Pharmacy and requires advance notice before increasing audit frequencies.
Additionally, the bill mandates that PBMs submit monthly electronic reports detailing drug claims' actual acquisition costs to insurers and plan sponsors. This measure aims to empower employers to effectively audit drug costs.
“Ohio is on the verge of widespread pharmacy deserts,” said Rep. Barhorst. “The primary purpose of House Bill 192 is to address a market failure created by the policies and practices of PBMs, which are bankrupting community & independent pharmacies."
House Bill 192 is currently under review by the House Insurance Committee.
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