This is a guest opinion column
Representing the 38th District in the Alabama House of Representatives, my charge has always been to serve my community, and thankfully, many of my constituents are driven by the same goal. Among the countless heroes in my district are the independent pharmacists who always strive to advance community health and ensure their patients receive the best care possible.
Unfortunately, an increasingly complicated healthcare system makes it more and more difficult for these small businesses to get by. In fact, a recent report from the Alabama Pharmacy Association shows that nearly three hundred of our state’s eight hundred independent pharmacies have closed over just the last six years. Not only is this an ominous sign for the hard-working, independent pharmacists in our state, but it also poses major issues to Alabama’s patients, who find it more challenging to access the life-saving prescription treatments they need to manage their conditions and live a better life.
Our state’s independent pharmacies serve critical functions in our communities, whether it’s dispensing medications, administering vaccines during flu season, or educating the public on best practices to stay healthy. But perhaps most of all, they develop deep ties with their neighbors and counsel them on any health challenges they may face. However, if more independent pharmacies close their doors, there will be no one to fill this gap, making healthcare even more convoluted and scary for the most vulnerable Alabamians.
Thankfully, there is a crucial lifeline for independent pharmacies, as many contract with pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs) to ensure their business needs are met. PSAOs provide administrative, back-house support for pharmacists, ensuring they can meet their most complex challenges.
While PSAOs don’t have a role in setting prices on medication or deciding reimbursement rates and consumer savings, they do work to streamline communications with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), analyze business operations, and ensure independent pharmacies’ compliance with state and federal regulations. These functions may seem like an afterthought to those unfamiliar with the pharmacy world, but they help ensure that Alabama’s pharmacists spend their time on what’s most important: caring for patients in need.
I am proud to support the independent pharmacists in my district, and that’s why it’s crucial we work to foster the relationships between pharmacies and PSAOs. I hope my fellow legislators join me in supporting policies that protect independent pharmacies and strengthen these essential partnerships, ensuring that all Alabamians have access to the quality care they deserve.
Debbie Wood serves in the Alabama Legislature representing Chambers and Lee County
