To keep you better informed, we are going to begin providing a monthly update from IPC’s Government Relations Team. IPC’s Government Relations team recently convened and continues to monitor federal and state policy developments that could affect independent pharmacy operations, reimbursement, patient access, and compliance. This September, the team reviewed year-end federal priorities, active state legislative efforts, upcoming regulatory deadlines, and opportunities to strengthen grassroots engagement.
Federal Pharmacy Priorities Take Shape
As Congress moves toward its year-end legislative work, IPC is following several pharmacy-related proposals that could be considered as part of a healthcare package.
One priority is Medicaid managed care reform through S. 927 and H.R. 4317. These bills address pharmacy reimbursement using the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost, along with a cost-of-dispensing payment. IPC is also working to share insights from Ohio’s Medicaid managed care reforms and support conversations with congressional staff.
IPC is also monitoring the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act and the Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act, introduced as H.R. 3164 and S. 2426. The proposals concern Medicare Part B billing status for pharmacists, with a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing scheduled back on September 15. Other federal issues under review include a proposed audit of the TRICARE pharmacy program and the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, H.R. 6610.
IPC is also monitoring federal activity involving GLP-1 medications, drug pricing, and 340B reporting. This includes CMS audit plans related to Part D GLP-1 deletion rates and pharmacy risk, federal agreements with additional pharmaceutical manufacturers, and implementation of the Medicare Part D 340B repository reporting requirements scheduled for October 1.
Regulatory Deadlines for Pharmacies
Small dispensers had until September 22, 2026, to participate in the FDA’s Drug Supply Chain Security Act electronic tracking survey. The survey was intended to assess small dispensers’ electronic interoperability and drug-tracing capabilities.
The FDA has also finalized a new 12-digit National Drug Code format, with an effective date of March 7, 2033. Although implementation remains several years away, the change will require long-term planning across pharmacy and healthcare systems.
State Advocacy Remains Active
Several states remain central to IPC’s advocacy efforts. In California, proposed legislation that would have limited pharmacy compounding was placed on suspension. This proposal is effectively inactive until at least January, when it needs to be reintroduced.
In New Jersey, IPC is monitoring the Patient and Provider Protection Act, A-1502 and S-2345. The legislation includes a PBM cost-plus requirement and restrictions on certain PBM practices. Legislative consideration was anticipated during September and October, supported by a white paper and testimony from IPC.
New York’s commercial cost-plus and pass-through legislation, S. 5939 and A. 5882, is awaiting gubernatorial action, IPC has a voter voice campaign to IPC members in New York urging you to send a message to the governor asking her to act on this legislation. We are also following a temporary six-month moratorium on new Medicaid pharmacy providers. In Colorado, we continue to monitor implementation of the state’s PBM law, including how PBMs will be defined for enforcement purposes, and are working with Colorado Pharmacy organizations on a campaign to remind legislators of the value independent pharmacies bring to ensure the law is being enforced properly.
Member Engagement Makes a Difference
The latest Illinois results demonstrate the reach of coordinated member engagement. More than half of the participants who received funding in Illinois were IPC members. IPC credits cross-department collaboration and outreach for helping pharmacies learn about the opportunity and participate.
These results reinforce an important message: when independent pharmacies engage, share their experiences, and respond to advocacy opportunities, they can help influence policy and secure meaningful outcomes for their businesses and communities.
