US Senator Tammy Baldwin Visits Independent Pharmacy Cooperative:

On Friday, October 4th, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) had the honor of hosting US Senator Tammy Baldwin at our warehouse distribution facility. This visit was a significant milestone for IPC, highlighting our ongoing efforts to advocate for crucial legislative reforms that impact independent pharmacies and the communities they serve.

Senator Baldwin’s visit began with an extensive tour of our state-of-the-art warehouse distribution facility. This tour provided her with a firsthand look at the operations that ensure timely and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical products to our member pharmacies. The Senator was impressed by the scale and efficiency of our operations, which play a critical role in supporting independent pharmacies across the nation.

Following the tour, Senator Baldwin participated in a lively question and answer session with IPC employees and pharmacy owner members. This session was an invaluable opportunity for our team to discuss pressing issues directly with a key policymaker. The topics covered during the session included:

1. Federal Part D PBM Reform Legislation: The discussion centered around the need for increased oversight and transparency in the practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Senator Baldwin emphasized her support for reforms that would ensure fairer practices and better reimbursement rates for independent pharmacies.
2. Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023: This act aims to prohibit unfair and deceptive practices by PBMs, ensuring that they cannot charge health plans more than they reimburse pharmacies. The act also mandates that PBMs disclose all fees and rebates, promoting transparency and fairness in the industry.
3. 340B Legislative Reform: The conversation also touched on the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows healthcare providers serving low-income populations to purchase medications at reduced prices. Senator Baldwin discussed potential reforms to ensure the program’s integrity and sustainability.
4. Pharmacy Medical Provider Status: Recognizing pharmacists as integral healthcare providers is crucial for expanding their role in patient care. Senator Baldwin expressed her support for legislative efforts to grant pharmacists provider status, enabling them to be reimbursed for clinical services under Medicare Part B.

Senator Baldwin’s visit underscored the importance of legislative advocacy in shaping policies that support independent pharmacies. Her engagement with IPC highlights the critical role that policymakers play in addressing the challenges faced by our industry. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.