Bipartisan Coalition of Lawmakers join together to address Pharmacy Access, Healthcare Services and Cost Savings for Virginians
RICHMOND – A press conference will be held to discuss the Save Local Pharmacies Act, a landmark legislative initiative designed to eliminate pharmacy deserts, protect access to essential healthcare services, and lower costs for Virginians. Local pharmacies are a cornerstone of community healthcare, and this legislation is a step forward in ensuring they continue to serve communities across the state.
We will be joined by:
- Anna Peoples, Pharmacist, People’s Pharmacy, Norfolk, Virginia
- Senator Aaron Rouse (Chief Patron of SB 875)
- Senator T. Travis Hackworth (Chief Co-Patron of SB 875)
- Delegate Katrina Callsen (Chief Patron of HB 2610)
- Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. (Chief Co-Patron)
- Delegate Terry Kilgore (Chief Patron of HB 2209)
- Senator Russet Perry (Chief Co-Patron of SB 875)
- Delegate Josh Cole (Chief Co-Patron)
“Save Local Pharmacies Act” Press Conference Details
Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Time: 10:45 AM
Location: Senate Briefing Room, Room 400, General Assembly Building, 201 N 9th St, Richmond, VA 23219
What’s at Stake:
- Over 20 counties in Virginia have 0 or just 1 pharmacy, leaving many residents without easy access to life-saving medications and vaccines.
- Medicaid pharmacies are reimbursed an unsustainable average of $1.09 per prescription—far below the $10.65 dispensing cost.
- Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms in other states like West Virginia and Ohio have already saved taxpayers millions while preserving local pharmacies.
The “Save Local Pharmacies Act” will:
- Realign Medicaid’s pharmacy benefit under a single, transparent, state-contracted Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) for greater efficiency and oversight.
- Direct, state contracting for prescription benefits, eliminating multiple PBMs as middlemen in Medicaid’s prescription process, and shifting responsibility back to the state.
- Consolidate PBMs, leading to reduced administrative fees, focused oversight, and better negotiating power for drug pricing, rebates, and formulary management.
- Ensure transparency by disclosing actual drug pricing, rebates, and administrative costs for analysis.
- Save Virginia taxpayers a minimum of $39 million annually in administrative costs.
- Protect pharmacy access for underserved communities, improving local pharmacies’ ability to serve Medicaid patients and provide affordable, personalized care.
Similar legislation in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio has already shown significant cost savings and preserved pharmacy access. West Virginia now saves over $54 million annually, while Kentucky estimates savings of $282 million from 2021-2023, and Ohio saves $150 million annually through similar reforms.
Why Attend?
- Hear directly from lawmakers and stakeholders about this groundbreaking bill and its potential to reshape pharmacy access in Virginia.
- Learn how the Save Local Pharmacies Act will help reduce costs, improve patient care, and ensure equitable access to medications across all communities.
- Understand the pressing issue of pharmacy deserts and how local pharmacies are integral to the health of Virginians, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact: Ryan Jackson, Chief of Staff, Sen. Aaron Rouse, ryan@rouseforvirginia.com or 757-632-1465.