Pharmacists navigate highs and lows in uncertain times.
A Year of Resilience and Reinvention
This past year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride made of ups and downs for the pharmacy profession. From financial uncertainty to moments of victory in legislation, 2024 tested the limits of pharmacy professionals while emphasizing their growing importance in modern healthcare.
While there were many steps forward for the profession, there were also numerous setbacks. The profession struggled with DIR fees (fees that pharmacies pay to Medicare Part D plans for dispensing prescription drugs) placing a heavy financial burden on pharmacies already struggling to stay afloat. In addition to these setbacks, the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform was terminated from federal legislation. This left many pharmacists feeling frustrated and unheard.
It was clear to many that the system was broken and needed fixing. With over 2,200 pharmacy closures, many areas of the United States became healthcare deserts, where patients struggled to access basic services.
But among the challenges, there was still hope among many pharmacists.
A Spotlight on Progress
Last year wasn’t completely downhill. 2024 saw numerous state-level legislative victories, reshaping the role of pharmacists in ways that truly matter for patient care. More than 100 bills were introduced in the US, and many of them expanded pharmacists’ responsibilities to meet the growing demands of their communities.
Here’s a glimpse of the progress:
- Administering vaccines, testing, and treating minor illnesses became a reality in many states.
- Pharmacists gained the rights to prescribe critical medications, such as contraceptives and HIV prevention drugs.
- States like California and Oregon empowered pharmacists to address urgent needs like HIV prevention and COVID-19 testing and treatment.
- CA law authorized pharmacists to provide a 30- or 60-day supply of HIV PrEP as well as PEP
- This bill required CA health plans to cover both the administration of HIV PrEP and any related services or tests by a pharmacist
- Idaho made progress on March 18th 2024 by authorizing pharmacists to dispense life-saving medications like naloxone in emergencies.
- Alaska introduced PBM transparency measures allowing patients to choose their pharmacy requiring equal reimbursement between PBM-affiliated and non-affiliated pharmacies on September 12th, 2024
- Nebraska established fair reimbursement floors to support independent pharmacies with 6 or fewer locations which was passed on April 16th, 2024
- Vaccine access expanded further in Hawaii and Minnesota, giving communities broader protection against preventable diseases.
Even more states, Illinois, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and others focused on increasing PBM oversight and protecting pharmacies from unfair practices. These wins are evidence to the professions’ strength and growing recognition of pharmacists’ expertise.
The Fight Isn’t Over
While 2024 showcased important progress, there are still many challenges that remain. The push for meaningful PBM reform made it seem close to success before pressures from the government scaled back efforts. Still, pharmacists are still pushing for change.
Looking ahead into 2025, we can expect continued battles on both the state and federal side. Advocates will continue to push for fair reimbursement, better oversight of PBMs, and expanded roles for pharmacists in patient care.
The moral of the story: Pharmacists are indispensable. Their evolving role in healthcare not only improves patient outcomes but bridges important gaps in access to care. However, lasting improvements are necessary to sustain their work and ensure patients’ needs are met.
Final Thoughts
From financial struggles to wins among state and federal legislation, this past year has been a testament to how pharmacists can adapt and their dedication to the profession. As healthcare continues to change drastically, so too does the role of pharmacists. Pharmacists will continue to move from behind the counter to the forefront of patient care.
The road ahead may still be bumpy, but one thing is clear: pharmacists are driving change, one prescription at a time.
