ASK YOUR LEGISLATOR
TO SUPPORT PBM REFORM
END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE E ND PBM ABUSE END PBM ABUSE
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.
THE STATE OF
LOCAL PHARMACY IN MINNESOTA
.png)
MN Zip Codes with No Pharmacy
Data from Luke Slindee | Last updated September 6, 2024
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.
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!
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.
Have you experienced PBM abuse? How important is your independent pharmacy to your health? Tell the Governor's office.
_JPG.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.
-
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.
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!