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APCI Advocates for the Pharmacists Fight Back Act

The American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI) has taken a significant step by urging Congress to pass the reintroduced Pharmacists Fight Back Act, a legislative initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of pharmacy benefits management. This act marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against exploitative practices in the healthcare sector, particularly by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

On December 11, 2025, APCI held a press conference on Capitol Hill that garnered attention from participants, including advocacy members and independent pharmacists from across the nation, all gathering to highlight the dire need for reform. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) announced the bill’s details during this event, shedding light on how the legislation targets PBM practices in key healthcare programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

Addressing PBM Abuses

The Pharmacists Fight Back Act is designed as a two-bill package, directly addressing the pervasive issues plaguing these essential programs. By tackling PBM abuses head-on, it aims to reduce prescription drug costs significantly, thereby alleviating financial pressure on patients and taxpayers alike.

“PBM abuses are not victimless,” asserts Greg Reybold, APCI Vice President of Healthcare Policy. He emphasizes that the adverse impact on patient care and public spending is substantial, raising costs and limiting access to critical medical services. The new legislation seeks practical solutions to these pressing issues, ensuring financial relief at pharmacy counters.

Transparency and Fair Pricing

One of the cornerstone features of the act is the establishment of a transparent, market-based index pricing model. This innovative approach is designed to eliminate inflated PBM markups on drug prices, ensuring that patients are charged based on genuine market values. This pricing reform is targeting to restore patient choice, particularly in underserved and rural areas where access to healthcare can often be a challenge.

Additionally, the act strives to ensure that PBMs share a portion of manufacturer rebates with patients directly at the pharmacy. This not only eases the financial burden on consumers but also helps lower overall insurance premiums, ultimately benefitting taxpayers who finance these health programs.

Robust Oversight

The legislation doesn’t stop at just introducing reforms; it also incorporates stringent oversight and penalties to guarantee adherence to these new stipulations. This proactive approach is essential to safeguarding taxpayer investments and ensuring that these reforms are effectively implemented, thus enhancing the operating efficiency of federal healthcare programs.

“By making the healthcare system more efficient, everybody wins,” says Tim Hamrick, APCI CEO. He underscores the importance of these reforms in promoting a more cost-effective healthcare environment, from which both patients and taxpayers can benefit.

Bipartisan Support

The original version of the Pharmacists Fight Back Act was embraced by a considerable number of representatives, with 55 bipartisan cosponsors participating. This shows a wide recognition across party lines that the issues surrounding pharmacy benefit management are critical to consumer welfare and need urgent attention. APCI now calls upon both returning and new congressional members to support this expanded legislative package.

As grassroots efforts gain momentum, supporters eager to join the campaign can learn more about the act and reach out to their representatives through dedicated online resources, including a beta site provided by APCI.

In conclusion, the Pharmacists Fight Back Act stands as a beacon of hope for reform in an industry ripe for change. By reducing the influence of PBMs and restoring fairness in pricing, this legislative initiative promises major savings for patients and taxpayers, ultimately aiming to reinforce the integrity of the American healthcare system.