Voice of our Readers June 3, 2021

Norberg: After challenging year, hope is on the horizon
To the Editor:
After a challenging year, hope is on the horizon. Independent pharmacies across the state are playing a crucial role in helping vaccinate Minnesotans and provided critical care throughout the pandemic.
For many independent pharmacies, such as the two I own, joining a Pharmacy Services Administrative Organization (PSAOs), offers independent pharmacies the administrative services needed to run a small business. PSAOs help independent pharmacies prioritize patient needs.
PSAOs also play a key role in consulting with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on behalf of independent pharmacies. PBMs are organizations within the pharmaceutical supply chain that play a key role in determining drug prices – often taking in big chunks of the profits they negotiate at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies. Predatory practices by PBMs result in huge profits for them, while patients pay more for prescriptions and many small pharmacies are forced to close their doors.
Without proper government oversight, PBMs will continue to go unchecked and threaten the vitality of Minnesota’s independent pharmacies. I am hopeful that the current bipartisan legislation that will help lower drug costs and better regulate PBMs becomes law this year. SF 2178 is included in both the House and Senate State Government Finance Omnibus bills and is an important step forward –  but there is definitely a lot more work to be done.
Minnesota must check these behemoth PBMs to protect patients and ensure independent pharmacists can continue to provide top quality care, vaccinations and health services in our communities.
Jay Norberg
Pipestone