Independent pharmacists have consistently been taking on a larger role in the health care space for the past several years. This was increased even further during the COVID-19 pandemic, when community pharmacists quickly expanded their store hours and capabilities to meet the surging health and vaccination needs of their patients.
While the pandemic shone a bright light on the many ways that pharmacies can make major contributions to community health care, ongoing issues with inadequate reimbursements, PBM-imposed DIR fees and patient steering threaten their survival. In order for independent pharmacies to prosper in their expanded roles, it’s extremely important that they advocate for needed reforms on the state and federal levels.
Drug Topics recently sat down with Steve Hoffart, PharmD, owner and PIC at Magnolia Pharmacy, to discuss the importance of independent pharmacists’ involvement in advocacy, why building relationships with elected leaders is key, and how American Pharmacies is leading the way in terms of independent pharmacy advocacy.
Dr. Hoffart has regularly been one of the leading pharmacy advocates in Texas. He serves as the Vice-Chair of the American Pharmacies Board of Directors, has twice been honored with the American Pharmacies’ Advocacy Leadership Award, has testified on multiple occasions in the Texas House and Senate, and is a member of NCPA’s Committee on State Regulation and Legislation.
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