Invite Legislators to Your Independent Pharmacy and Show Them Why PBM Reform Can’t Wait
Published: July 31, 2025

August is a critical month for independent pharmacy advocacy. With US Senators and Representatives will be home until right after Labor Day, this gives pharmacy owners a prime opportunity to invite them for a firsthand look at the Medicare and Medicaid challenges you face daily.
Now is the time to show, not just tell, lawmakers why they need to pass as soon as they return to Washington the following bipartisan PBM and Medicaid/Medicare reforms – Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act (S. 927), Patients Before Middlemen Act (S. 882), and PBM Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 4317).
The Senate Medicaid & Medicare Reform Bill would:
- Medicaid managed care payment reform – S. 927 (Welch [D-VT]/Marshall [R-KS]/Warner [D-VA/Cassidy [R-LA]) through enhanced transparency and a ban on spread pricing by reimbursing pharmacies at a rate equal to the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC) plus the state’s fee-for-service dispensing fee. This would also save taxpayers nearly $3 billion.
- Medicare D Contract reforms – S. 882 (Blackburn [R-TN]/Hassan [D-NH]/Lankford [R-OK]/Warner [D-VA]/Marshall [R-KS]/Welch [D-VT]/Cortez Masto [D-NV]/Cassidy [R-LA]) require CMS to define & enforce reasonable & relevant contract terms in Part D, including terms related to reimbursements, and establish a mechanism for pharmacies to report violations.
The House PBM Reform Act – H.R. 4317 (Carter [R-GA]/ Dingell [D-MI]/Murphy [R-NC]/Arrington [R-TX]/Harshbarger [R-TN]/Gonzalez [D-TX]/Allen [R-GA)/Krishnamoorthi [D-IL]/Rose [R-TN]/Tran [D-CA]/Malliotakis [(R-NY] would:
- Ban “spread pricing” in Medicaid and move to a transparent system that ensures pharmacies are fairly and adequately reimbursed for serving Medicaid beneficiaries.
- Establish new requirements for PBMs under Medicare Part D, including a policy to delink PBM compensation from the cost of medications and increase transparency.
- Promote transparency for both employers and patients in their prescription drug plans, with semi-annual reporting on drug spending, rebates, and formulary determinations.
- Require Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to define and enforce “reasonable and relevant” contract terms in Medicare Part D pharmacy contracts and enforce oversight on reported violations.
A pharmacy tour makes an impact. When legislators see how DIR fees, below-cost reimbursements, and PBM clawbacks threaten patient access, they become stronger allies in the fight for reform. If you don’t see your Senator or Representative listed as a sponsor or co-sponsor, ask them to sign on to this essential legislation.
Below, we’ll cover:
- How to invite a legislator to your pharmacy (with a sample email)
- A sample agenda for the visit
- Key talking points on pending legislation
Let’s make sure Congress hears our voices before they return to session in September.
Why a Pharmacy Tour Matters
Legislators vote on pharmacy issues every year, but few understand:
- The crushing impact of PBMs’ DIR fees on small pharmacies
- How Medicaid under-reimbursement forces closures
- Why Medicare Part D reform is essential for seniors’ access
A 15–30-minute tour can change that. When they meet your team, hear from patients, and see your operations, abstract policy becomes real.
August is your best chance. Let’s make it count.
How to Invite a Legislator
Sample Email:
Subject:
Invitation to Tour [Your Pharmacy Name] & Discuss Pharmacy Reform
Message:
Dear [Senator/Rep/Staffer Name],
As a constituent and independent pharmacy owner in [Your City], I invite you to visit [Your Pharmacy Name] this August while you’re home from session. I’d love to show you the vital role our pharmacy serves the community and discuss urgent reforms like the Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act (S. 927) and Patients Before Middlemen Act (S. 882) that impact local patients.
Why visit?
- See firsthand how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) impact small businesses
- Learn how DIR fees and below-cost reimbursements threaten patient access
- Discuss bipartisan solutions moving through Congress
I’m available [list dates/times]. Even a 15-20 minute visit would be invaluable. Let me know what works for you, I’m happy to accommodate your schedule.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to welcome you soon!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Pharmacy Name]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
Sample Agenda for the Visit
1. Welcome (5 min)
- Introduce your team and pharmacy’s role in the community
- Mention key issues: PBM abuses, DIR fees, patient access
2. Pharmacy Tour (10-15 min)
- Show workflow: filling prescriptions, patient consultations, PBM paperwork
- Highlight challenges: low reimbursements, clawbacks, staffing strains
3. Patient Story (Optional, 5 min)
- Have a patient describe how independent pharmacy care has helped them.
4. Legislative Discussion (10-15 min)
- Key bills to mention:
S. 927 (Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act): Stops Medicaid underpayment
S. 882 (Patients Before Middlemen Act): Bans PBM spread pricing in Medicare
H.R. 4317 (PBM Reform Act): Increases transparency & stops anticompetitive tactics - Ask: “Will you support/cosponsor these reforms?”
5. Photo Op & Follow-Up
- Take a photo (great for social/media!)
- Send a thank-you email with key facts and bill numbers
Key Talking Points for Your Visit
1. PBMs Are Hurting Independent Pharmacies & Patients
- “PBMs take $9 billion yearly in DIR fees—often clawed back 6 months later.”
- “Reimbursements are below cost, forcing pharmacies to reject Medicaid/Medicare patients.”
- “Three PBMs control 80% of the market, squeezing small pharmacies out.”
- Ask your Senators & Representative if they are willing to sign on as a co-sponsor to these pieces of legislation
2. Bipartisan Fixes Are Ready—But Need Support
S. 927 – Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act
- Stops Medicaid underpayments, ensuring fair reimbursements
- “Without this, more pharmacies will drop Medicaid—hurting vulnerable patients.”
S. 882 – Patients Before Middlemen Act
- Bans PBM spread pricing in Medicare Part D
- “PBMs pocket the difference between what they charge plans and pay pharmacies; this will stop that.”
H.R. 4317 – PBM Reform Act
- Ends retroactive DIR fees, mandates transparency
- “This is the most comprehensive PBM reform in Congress—we need it passed.”
3. The Time to Act Is Now
- “These bills could move in September, and your support is critical.”
- “Will you cosponsor/advance these reforms?”
Next Steps: Act Now Before August Ends!
- Send the invite email today (use our template above).
- Prepare your talking points (highlight DIR fees, patient stories).
- Follow up with staff if you don’t hear back.
Download Your Pharmacy Tour Toolkit
Get the sample email, agenda, and talking points you need to host a successful legislator visit this August.
Need help? IPC’s Government Relations Team is Here:
- Contact IPC for advocacy support: [email protected]
- Use IPC Position Papers for talking points: www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-document-library/#legislative-advocacy
- Use NCPA’s resources for more tools: ncpa.org/month-action
Let’s make sure Congress sees our pharmacies, before they vote on our future. And make your voice heard on key issues: www.ipcrx.com/government-relations/take-action/







