Is 2026 The Year Of PBM Reform?

Is 2026 The Year Of PBM Reform?

New York legislature has done it, New Jersey bill S2345 /A1502 has passed the Assembly, the federal government the New Jersey governor has been talking about it.  Is this the year we finally get it done. This week we have a discussion with someone who thinks the answer is a big yes and someone with some big questions and needs help from the listeners if we want this year to be the year.

Task (AKA The NJ Governor's Task Force with the NJ Pharmacy Coalition)

We may not have Mark Ruffalo, but we do have Anthony Reznik and Laurie Clark on the task force for the newly elected New Jersey Governor, Mikie Sherrill, and they are being asked directly about the harm pharmacy benefit managers cause the industry.  This week, Anthony and Laurie discuss what is happening in the room where it happens, how they are preparing for a new legislative year, and how their work will impact independent pharmacies throughout the state.

How Diabetes Support Can Empower Your Business

Over 38 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, which is about 1 in 10 people, and it can be hard for someone to go to the doctor's office and get the advice they need.  There is an opportunity for pharmacies, especially independent pharmacies, to fill in this space and provide that knowledge.  This week, Anthony speaks with Lucille Hughes, the Director of Scientific Communication at Embecta, about the advances in diabetes treatment and ways a local pharmacist can step up to support diabetic patients.

Independent Pharmacy Matters - 22-Year-Old Dies From Asthma Attack. We Speak To The Dad

In 2024, the price of Cole Schmidtknecht's inhaler exceeded $500, and he had to choose between his inhaler and rent. He chose rent, and after an asthma attack, he died at the age of 22. When his parents realized what had happened, they went to work to make sure no other family would have to go through the same tragedy they had. This week, we spoke to his father, Bil Schmidtknecht, about what part PBM pricing played in his son's death, how independent pharmacies helped save his own life, and the fight to make a change in the law to prevent this from happening again.

Medicaid Cuts Are Coming and SAVENJRX Is Working to Protect Pharmacies and Patients

New Jersey pharmacists are bracing for potential cuts to the state's Medicaid program due to Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. As the legislature gets ready to move back into session, SAVENJRX is working to secure patient access to pharmacies and lower drug prices. This week, Anthony talks about state Medicaid cuts and what is being done on a national level.