Independent pharmacy owners are heading into 2026 with more questions than answers. Drug pricing changes, delayed rebates, and tighter cash flow cycles are showing up on screens everywhere. The numbers feel unfamiliar. The pressure feels real. And many owners are asking the same question. What do I do now?
You’re Not Navigating This Alone
Changes in pricing and cash flow can feel complex. The IPC Member Performance team works directly with pharmacy owners to help make sense of the numbers and plan the next steps.
The reality pharmacy owners need to understand right now
IRA drug pricing has changed how cash moves through a pharmacy. While some medications saw pricing adjustments, many did not move fully to the Maximum Fair Price. That means pharmacies are often covering higher acquisition costs upfront and waiting weeks for manufacturer rebates to come back.
The key point is this. Many of these prescriptions are still profitable, in some cases more profitable. The challenge is timing. When cash is tied up for two or three weeks, even strong pharmacies can feel strained.
Cash flow is the new priority for 2026
Sustainability this year is less about panic and more about planning. Pharmacy owners need to understand their exposure to pricing changes, how their wholesaler payment terms align with rebate timing, and what months may feel tighter than others.
Early in the year may bring a small cash bump, but as changes fully settle, February and March can become more challenging without a clear strategy in place. Understanding cash flow before it becomes a problem is critical.
Visibility matters more than ever
You cannot manage what you cannot see. Tracking rebates, understanding when funds arrive, and reconciling pricing accurately are essential. Without visibility, pharmacies risk making decisions based on incomplete information, which can compound stress quickly.
Where opportunity still exists
There is an upside in this environment. Higher generic compliance rates create opportunities for stronger margins. With the right purchasing strategy and proper cash flow management, pharmacies can improve gross profit without increasing risk. The opportunity is real, but only when paired with intentional planning.
You do not have to figure this out alone
The Member Performance team at Independent Pharmacy Cooperative helps pharmacy owners make sense of what they are seeing and turn complexity into clarity. From evaluating cash flow impact to aligning purchasing strategies, the team works directly with owners to support stability and growth.
You’re Not Navigating This Alone
Changes in pricing and cash flow can feel complex. The IPC Member Performance team works directly with pharmacy owners to help make sense of the numbers and plan the next steps.
