As pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform continues nationwide, maintaining strong PBM network relationships remains essential for independent pharmacies. In a recent interview with Drug Topics during American Pharmacists Month, Frier Levitt Partner Harini Bupathi discussed why pharmacies must protect their existing network contracts, even as legislative reforms promise greater oversight and protections.
Harini explained that even PBM contracts representing a small portion of a pharmacy’s business can become critical as health plans and employers change PBM partners. Network terminations can lead to lost revenue, credentialing challenges, additional audits, and difficulties rejoining networks.
While federal and state PBM reforms continue to evolve, many protections will take time to implement. Harini emphasized the importance of maintaining contractual compliance, addressing disputes proactively, and preserving PBM relationships to protect pharmacies’ long-term financial stability and patient access to care.
