#USA #Montvale #EmpiRx Health #PBM Reform #Pharmacy Allies

EmpiRx Health Unveils PATH Coalition

In a significant move to redefine healthcare delivery, EmpiRx Health, recognized as a pioneering pharmacy benefits management (PBM) company led by pharmacists, has announced the establishment of the Pharmacy Allies Transforming Healthcare (PATH) Coalition. This national coalition's primary mission is to support community pharmacies and pharmacists, advocating for their essential role in a more affordable and sustainable healthcare system in the United States.

The Importance of Community Pharmacies

Community pharmacies play a crucial role in American healthcare, acting as accessible healthcare providers for millions. However, alarming trends show that independent community pharmacies are shutting down at an unprecedented rate; since 2018, over 5,800 pharmacies have closed, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). This decline has transformed approximately 45% of U.S. counties into pharmacy deserts, primarily affecting rural areas where residents increasingly find themselves without essential pharmacy services.

A Call to Action

Recognizing this crisis, EmpiRx Health aims to spark a national dialogue around the necessity of maintaining and bolstering community pharmacies through PATH. The coalition plans to unite stakeholders, including pharmacies, employers, policymakers, and healthcare advocates, to champion reforms in pharmacy benefits management and spotlight the advantages of local, affordable pharmacy services.

Danny Sanchez, CEO of EmpiRx Health, emphasizes the coalition's objective: “It’s time to restore power to our community pharmacists and create a healthier, more cost-effective healthcare landscape in America.” With PATH, EmpiRx Health is positioned to support the voices that matter most in these discussions.

Key Focus Areas of PATH

The PATH Coalition will concentrate on three pivotal areas:

1. Advocacy: A significant aspect of PATH’s agenda will be the advocacy for legislative reforms aimed at the PBM industry. The coalition will work to introduce laws that enhance transparency and fairness, directly benefiting community pharmacies. Furthermore, PATH supports initiatives to elevate pharmacists to healthcare provider status, allowing them to utilize their skills to their fullest extent and expand their essential clinical services.

2. Education: Part of PATH's mission is to enlighten policymakers and healthcare decision-makers about the critical contributions that pharmacies and pharmacists offer. By fostering better understanding, the coalition hopes to ensure the sustainability and growth of community pharmacy services.

3. Activation: PATH is dedicated to energizing its members and leveraging their networks to collaborate on solving critical issues like the escalating costs of medications and the advancement of PBM reforms.

Voices from Healthcare Leaders

Leaders in the healthcare community have echoed the necessity of the PATH Coalition:

• - B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, stated, “The viability of community pharmacies is endangered due to PBM practices that favor profits over patient health. We must enact reform legislative measures.”
• - Jim Tsipakis, former President of Supermarkets Pharmacy, highlighted that patients rely on community pharmacies far more frequently than their primary care providers, underlining their importance in healthcare access.
• - Silvana Stankus, Executive Director at New England Health Care Employees Welfare and Pension Funds, added, “Community pharmacies are crucial for our caregivers who need immediate and reliable healthcare services.”
• - Glenn Di Biasi, Fund Administrator for the UFCW National Health and Welfare Fund, noted, “Support for community pharmacies will ultimately stabilize healthcare access at a local level.”

Conclusion

The launch of the PATH Coalition marks a critical turning point for community pharmacies in America. As healthcare delivery faces tremendous transformation, the renewed commitment to safeguarding local pharmacy services through advocacy, education, and collective action can pave the way for a healthier future. EmpiRx Health’s initiative underscores the urgency for systemic change that will prioritize accessibility, affordability, and the invaluable relationship between pharmacists and their communities. For more information about PATH, visit www.abetterpath.co.

About EmpiRx Health

EmpiRx Health is a leading pharmacy benefits management company that leverages innovative technologies to center pharmacist-led care for improved health outcomes and reduced medication costs. Celebrating a decade of impactful service, EmpiRx Health continues to push for advancements that benefit both pharmacies and their clients alike.