From the column: "When pharmacies are forced to close, patients often are left with fewer choices, and convenient access to care becomes a serious issue."
From the column: "Our health care system needs market-based solutions that keep costs down, not government interference that allows Big Pharma to pad its profits at our expense."
From the column: "Corporate consolidation does not provide better efficiency or care; it limits patient choice, pushes independent providers out of business, and safeguards ... companies from accountability."
Since 1996, the state of Minnesota has lost nearly 400 independent community pharmacies. While the Legislature just passed new laws to help, a national financial problem persists.
From the editorial: "Some 17,000 pharmacies nationwide — including 18 here in Duluth, Superior, and Hermantown — are now designated as authorized collectors of unused prescription drugs."
From the column: "Community-based pharmacists play an especially vital role in patient care. This assistance (proved) to be a very important ... throughout COVID. ... These authorities should remain in place."
From the column: "While efforts have been made to lower prescription-drug costs by focusing on manufacturers, the time has come for our elected officials to address the unfair practices of PBMs."
From the column: "Three major companies control 80% of the prescription-drug market. ... These companies leverage their dominance to engage in (unsavory) practices."
