The Decline of Community Pharmacies
Neighborhood pharmacies are rapidly shuttering. Not long ago, Walgreens, one of the nation’s biggest pharmacy chains, announced plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years. This is part of a larger trend that has seen nearly 7,000 pharmacy locations close since 2019, with more expected in the coming years.
Many community pharmacies are struggling to stay open due to an overburdened workforce, shrinking reimbursement rates for prescription drugs, and limited opportunities to bill insurers for services beyond dispensing medications.
The Changing Role of Pharmacies
Community pharmacies – which include independently owned, corporate-chain and other retail pharmacies in neighborhood settings – have changed a lot over the past decades. What once were simple medication pickup points have evolved into hubs for health and wellness. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists today provide vaccinations, testing and treatment for infectious diseases, access to hormonal birth control, and other clinical services they are empowered to provide by federal and state laws.
Given their importance, then, why have so many community pharmacies been closing? There are many reasons, but the most significant is reduced reimbursement for prescription drugs. Most community pharmacies operate under a business model centered on dispensing medications that relies on insurer reimbursements and cash payments from patients.
Why Pharmacy Accessibility Matters
The increasing closure of community pharmacies has far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans. That’s because neighborhood pharmacies are one of the most accessible healthcare locations in the country, with an estimated 90% of Americans living within 5 miles of one.
However, research shows that “pharmacy deserts” are more common in marginalized communities, where people need accessible healthcare the most. For example, people who live in pharmacy deserts are also more likely to have a disability that makes it hard or impossible to walk. Many of these areas are also classified as medically underserved areas or health professional shortage areas. As pharmacy closures accelerate, America’s health disparities could get even worse.
What to Ask if Your Pharmacy Closes
If your preferred pharmacy closes and you need to find another one, keep the following questions in mind:
- What will happen to your old prescriptions?
- What’s the staffing situation like at other pharmacies?
- Which pharmacies accept your insurance?
- What are your accessibility needs?
Remember that it’s best to have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy chain or location so that your pharmacist can perform a safety check with your complete medication list. Drug interactions can be dangerous.
Conclusion
The decline of community pharmacies poses real threats to public health. We hope lawmakers address the underlying systemic issues so more Americans don’t lose access to their medications, health services, and pharmacists.
* Q: What is a pharmacy desert?
A: A pharmacy desert is an area where there is a lack of access to pharmacies, making it difficult for people to get their prescription medications and healthcare services.
* Q: Why are pharmacies closing?
A: Pharmacies are closing due to a combination of factors, including reduced reimbursement for prescription drugs, an overburdened workforce, and limited opportunities to bill insurers for services beyond dispensing medications.
* Q: What are some alternatives to community pharmacies?
A: Some alternatives to community pharmacies include mail-order pharmacies, online pharmacies, and retail clinics that offer vaccinations and other healthcare services.
* Q: How can I find a new pharmacy?
A: You can search online for pharmacies in your area, check with your insurance provider for a list of in-network pharmacies, or ask for referrals from your doctor or other healthcare providers.
