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ASK YOUR LEGISLATOR

TO SUPPORT PBM REFORM

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Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain that increase costs for pharmacies & patients, delay necessary treatments, & make healthcare less accessible.

Learn about why & how we're fighting them for a more equitable, effective & accessible healthcare system.

See If your legislator

supports pbm reform!

Our legislative tracker also includes contact and website information for each legislator, as well as their support "grade."

 

Leave a comment for our team on the spreadsheet if you have something to add!

THE STATE OF
LOCAL PHARMACY IN MINNESOTA

MN pharmacy deserts PDF (1920 x 1080 px).png

MN Zip Codes with No Pharmacy

Data from Luke Slindee | Last updated September 6, 2024

8

MINNESOTA CITIES
LOST THEIR ONLY
PHARMACY
IN 2023

Motley
Winthrop
New London
Menahga
Clarkfield
Avon
Clearbrook
Nisswa

To check out additional data on 
pharmacy closures since 2023

1995_March_12-Rx Articles_Page_1.jpg

What is PBM ABUSE?

PBMs first emerged as a means to streamline the management of prescription drug benefits for health insurance plans. However, their extortion of the market and complete lack of transparency have led to real harm for patients, healthcare providers, and those who help pay for patients' healthcare (e.g., employers, Medicare, and Minnesota's Medicaid program). Their conduct has also led to the most expensive prescription drug market in the developed world—one in which Americans are rationing their prescriptions, taking on debt to afford treatments, or completely forgoing taking their lifesaving medication because it's simply unaffordable.

"PBM abuse" is an umbrella that refers to the several abusive practices of PBMs, including but not limited to: inappropriately low or no reimbursement to pharmacies for services provided; the retroactive collection of DIR fees on Medicare claims ("clawbacks"); forcing pharmacies into abusive, one-sided contracts; "steering" patients to pharmacies they own and operate; and making patients take expensive brand name drugs when cheaper generic alternatives exist. 

What TAKING ACTION looks like:

REGULATORY REFORMS

Reviewing and updating existing regulations to address legislative loopholes used by PBMs to ensure that they operate in a way that benefits pharmacies, patients, and healthcare as a whole.

DEMANDING TRANSPARENCY

Implementing regulations that enhance transparency about PBM practices, including pricing arrangements and rebates.

PROMOTING COMPETITION

Addressing monopolization and encouraging competition between PBMs, which helps increases accountability and ensure fair negotiations with pharmacies and drug manufacturers.

COLLABORATION

Healthcare providers can play a role by negotiating fair terms with PBMs, ensuring that patient care is not compromised due to financial considerations.

people protesting

IDENTIFY YOUR

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Know who represents you in the MN State Legislature & U.S. Congress

using scripts, templates, guides, & videos from our friends at St. Paul Corner Drug

FILE AN ANTITRUST

COMPLAINT

WITH DOJ

Help the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) ensure access to fair & competitive healthcare markets for Americans

FILE A COMPLAINT WITH MN DEPT

OF COMMERCE

Minnesotans' complaints are the fuel for accountability! Helpful instructions can be found here.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We're working to pass similar legislation in the MN State Legislature!

CONTACT YOUR

LEGISLATORS

Use this grassroots tool to let your federal legislators know that PBM reform is important to you. Stay tuned for news tools specifically for state-level legislation!

Urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. You'll find everything you need here!

NOTE: This legislation is currently awaiting a new bill number, so please hold off until petition materials have been updated.

SHARE YOUR STORY WITH 

GOV. TIM WALZ

Have you experienced PBM abuse? How important is your independent pharmacy to your health? Tell the Governor's office.

OptumRx_Protest 9.13.2024 001 _ photo credit Tim Evans Photography (1).JPG

MNIndys in action

Members of our organization are actively working with lobbyists, a public affiars team, and MN state legislators to pass PBM reform during this year's legislative session.

 

Check back here for details about our proposed bill once it's been introduced! Additional bills MNIndys is officially supporting this legislative session are listed below, and further details can be found on the State Initiatives page from our friends and MNIndys member pharmacy, St. Paul Corner Drug.

  • MA Single PBM | SF1574 & HF2242

  • Directed Pharmacy Dispensing Payment Program | SF2152 & HF1100

  • 62W (PBM Transparency Act) Revisions & Updates | Awaiting bill numbers

  • Medicaid Coverage for Health Services Provided by Pharmacists | Awaiting bill numbers

  • Fair Competition Act HF34

    • Effort being led by our friends at the Minnesota Farmers Union & Attorney General's office

FUNDING

MNIndys is a non-profit organization.

Our legislative efforts are entirely funded by MNIndys members and donors. 

Image by Matt Barton

is critical to the health of Minnesota's

local pharmacies, patients,

& communities

PBM REFORM

MNIndys members testify at the MN Capitol

The MNIndys' Legislative Working Group serves as a go-to resource for legislators working on bills to support Minnesota's independent and other community-based pharmacies.

Check out these videos to see members Andrew Russell, RPh (Elko New Market Family Pharmacy), John Hoeschen, RPh (St. Paul Corner Drug), and Hildie Hoeschen, RN (St. Paul Corner Drug) testify before the MN Legislature in support of a few of the bills listed above!

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