The first week of April, IPC’s Government Relations team, alongside CEO Marc Essensa and two members of the IPC board, traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for independent pharmacies. The trip included high-level meetings with policymakers, industry leaders, and CMS officials, all focused on securing critical reforms and ensuring fair reimbursement for pharmacies.

Strategic Alliances:

The group met with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry to discuss shared goals, including PBM reform and protecting pharmacies from unsustainable reimbursement models. This support strengthens our collective voice against PBM abuses.

CMS Engagement on Medicare Drug Pricing:

IPC was able to gain assurances from CMS that a streamlined payment process for pharmacies will be available under the new Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Key details:

• Pharmacies will receive payment within 21 days for dispensed negotiated drugs.
• In the near future, look for an IPC hosted webinar with CMS to guide members through program requirements. This will take place as soon as we can, coordinate schedules and organize this live event.

Congressional Advocacy for PBM Reform:

One of the most impactful aspects of the D.C. trip was advancing PBM reform through direct engagement with key members of Congress. IPC has cultivated strong relationships with lawmakers who understand the urgent need to rein in PBM abuse and we’re seeing real momentum.

Representative Buddy Carter: A Champion for Pharmacy

As a pharmacist and longtime advocate for independent pharmacies, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) has been instrumental in pushing PBM reform forward. During our meetings, Rep. Carter emphasized his commitment to holding PBMs accountable and ensuring fair reimbursement for pharmacies. His leadership includes:

• Holding critical hearings in the House Energy & Commerce Committee to expose PBM tactics that inflate drug costs and harm patient access.
• Working to include PBM reform in must-pass legislative packages, such as upcoming budget reconciliation.
• Building bipartisan coalitions to advance transparency and eliminate harmful DIR fees and spread pricing.

Rep. Carter’s firsthand experience as a pharmacy owner gives him unique insight into the challenges independent pharmacies face—and he’s using his platform to drive real change.

Rep. Derek Tran: A New Voice for Pharmacy in Congress

IPC was also able to meet with newly elected House Member Representative Derek Tran (D-CA), a pharmacy owner and freshman member of Congress who brings a fresh perspective to the fight for PBM reform. As a practicing pharmacist, Rep. Tran understands how PBMs squeeze independent pharmacies and limit patient care. During our discussions, he highlighted his priorities:

• Collaborating across the aisle with members like Rep. Carter to advance PBM reform where possible.
• Advocating for fair reimbursement in Medicare and Medicaid programs to ensure pharmacies are paid fairly and on time.
• Supporting provider status efforts to expand pharmacists’ role in patient care.

Rep. Tran’s presence in Congress is a major asset, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance pro-pharmacy policies.

E-CAPS Expansion:

IPC spoke with members of congress who believe Enhanced Pharmacy Services legislation will likely be included in upcoming bills to permanently authorize pharmacists to provide respiratory-related services (e.g., COVID-19, flu). While progress is being made, the team remains vigilant against potential opposition.

Member Webinar:

IPC will coordinate a webinar with CMS to explain the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. Stay tuned for details!

Grassroots Action:

Members are urged to amplify our advocacy by displaying QR codes in stores and engaging patients. Together, we can push PBM reform across the finish line. Visit the IPC Legislative Action Center, to make your voice heard. IPC is currently pushing several initiatives in multiple state legislatures addressing PBM reforms. If you live in Montana, Colorado or Iowa, your voice is urgently needed! Connect with your legislator as soon as possible to tell them to vote for this important legislation.

IPC continues to urge everyone to tell Congress to act on the federal PBM reforms that were agreed to back in December. Our best chance to pass these reforms is to have them included in the upcoming federal reconciliation bill.

This trip underscored the power of IPC’s advocacy. By partnering with allies, educating lawmakers, and mobilizing members, we’re shaping policies that protect independent pharmacies. Thank you for your support—let’s keep the momentum going!