HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– Pharmacists clad in white coats packed the Capitol steps calling for reform of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM).

“People may not think they’re affected by this, but I got news for you, this affects everyone in our state,” said Chris Antypas, president of Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.

PBMs are a go-between for health insurance providers and drug makers to negotiate prices. Pharmacists say they’re putting them out of business.

“I’m the one that has to take the money out of my bank account and buy the drugs, and in order to stay in business, I need to sell those drugs for more than I bought them,” said Antypas.

One of Antypas’ customers is a younger disabled patient who takes several anti-seizure medications.

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“All of those drugs in total are $5-8,000 per month, but I’m being reimbursed $150 less than what I bought those drugs for,” said Antypas.

There is bipartisan legislation in the works. Senate Bill 1000 directs the state insurance department to develop a process for hearing and resolving pharmacy complaints about PBMs, something the bill’s sponsor has heard plenty of.

“I represent five very rural Pennsylvania counties and, these counties depend on independent pharmacies, these chain pharmacies aren’t coming to them,” said Sen. Judy Ward (R) District 30.

In a statement, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association said, “PBMs specifically support rural pharmacies in Pennsylvania through programs that increase reimbursements including expanding reimbursements for clinical services performed at rural independent pharmacies for rural patients.”

House Bill 1993 would give the Commonwealth more oversight over PBMs.

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“When I talk to our local pharmacies and they tell me they lose money sometimes dispensing a prescription, clearly something is broken in our system,” said Rep. Jessica Benham (D) District 36.

In response to both bills, CVS Caremark said, “This legislation fails to address the true cause of drug costs: the high prices set by drug manufacturers. PBMs are the only part of the prescription drug industry fighting to keep life-saving drugs affordable and accessible for patients.

Antypas warns if more pharmacies close their doors, that will lead to pharmacy deserts in the state, forcing people to travel further to get their medications.

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