Independent pharmacies continue to face policy decisions that directly affect reimbursement, patient access and the ability to remain competitive. This month, IPC’s Government Relations team is tracking critical federal proposals, advancing state-level advocacy and expanding its capacity to represent independent pharmacy where decisions are being made.
Expanding IPC’s Government Relations Team
This week, Dylan McGarry and Henry Marquard officially began their work with IPC’s Government Relations Department. Their arrival expands IPC’s ability to engage policymakers, build coalitions and respond to legislative and regulatory developments at both the state and federal levels.
Dylan McGarry brings more than 20 years of experience in government affairs, healthcare advocacy and legislative strategy. Most recently, he served as president of Franklin Strategies, advising healthcare and technology organizations on public policy and regulatory matters. He previously served as senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor.
Henry Marquard is a former congressional staffer with experience in healthcare government relations, advocacy and coalition building. He most recently served as executive director of Quad Cities Interfaith and previously led government and community relations efforts for Genesis Health System. His experience includes work on Medicaid, healthcare workforce issues, behavioral health services and medical liability reform.
Their addition comes as IPC strengthens its advocacy infrastructure to address PBM reform, reimbursement pressure, rural healthcare access and patient choice.
Federal Priorities Remain in Focus
IPC continues to monitor several pharmacy priorities that could be considered as part of a year-end federal healthcare package.
Among the most significant is Medicaid managed care reform. IPC is following proposals that would establish pharmacy reimbursement based on the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost and include a cost-of-dispensing payment. The team is also monitoring the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act and the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, which address Medicare Part B billing status for pharmacists.
Additional priorities include a proposed audit of the TRICARE pharmacy program and the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. The latter has become especially relevant amid congressional scrutiny of increased PBM audits of independent pharmacies.
IPC is also reviewing upcoming federal regulatory activity. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has opened comment periods involving Medicare Part D contract terms, essential-pharmacy reporting, delinking and pharmacy fees. These proposals could carry meaningful operational and reimbursement implications for community pharmacies, making it important that independent pharmacy perspectives are part of the regulatory process.
State Advocacy Continues to Move Forward
IPC’s work remains active across several priority states.
- Colorado, the team is monitoring implementation of cost-based PBM reimbursement requirements.
- Texas, IPC is preparing for discussions with the Texas Pharmacy Association about the 2027 legislative agenda.
- Iowa is approaching the start of its Medicaid managed care pharmacy carve-out on December 1.
- Kansas remains focused on PBM compliance with NADAC-plus-cost-of-dispensing reimbursement and rural pharmacy rates.
- New Jersey, IPC is following the Patient and Provider Protection Act, which includes a PBM cost-plus reimbursement mandate and restrictions on certain PBM practices.
- New York, commercial cost-plus and pass-through legislation is awaiting action by the governor. IPC is supporting a letter-writing campaign to help New York members communicate the importance of the legislation.
IPC also currently has a grassroots campaign in New York State asking Governor Hochul to Sign the Patients Access to Pharmacy Act. Additionally, members in Illinois, Minnesota and New Jersey have received targeted updates on state-specific programs and legislative activity.
Rural Healthcare and Pharmacy Services
Rural healthcare remains another important area of coordination. IPC is exploring ways to partner with pharmacy organizations and other stakeholders in Ohio, where efforts connected to the Rural Health Transformation Program are progressing. The team is also evaluating potential partners that could help independent pharmacies participate in emerging rural-health opportunities.
Voice Strengthens Our Advocacy
IPC will continue monitoring these developments and communicating opportunities for members and affiliates to take action. When you receive an advocacy alert, your response matters. Sharing your pharmacy’s experience helps policymakers understand how reimbursement, PBM practices and healthcare regulations affect real pharmacies, patients and communities.
Watch for IPC Government Relations updates and visit the Legislative Action Center when campaigns are available. A stronger independent pharmacy voice begins with informed, engaged pharmacy owners willing to speak up.
