NACDS Praises New U.S. Department of Labor Rule Requiring PBM Compensation Transparency
Rule requires PBMs to disclose their compensation to the sponsors and fiduciaries of self-insured health plans covered by ERISA.
Americans Support Seniors’ Access to Pharmacist-Provided Care: Help Congress Pass H.R. 3164 / S. 2426 This Year
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Congress has a real opportunity in the coming weeks to give Medicare beneficiaries access to pharmacist-provided care that their own states already allow. I am writing to update you on where the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act / Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R. 3164 / S. 2426) stands, to share new resources that show how strongly Americans support it, and to ask for your help making sure lawmakers hear from the people they represent.
This bipartisan legislation, led in the House by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Doris Matsui (D-CA) and in the Senate by Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Mark Warner (D-VA), would enable seniors in Medicare to receive pharmacist-provided testing and treatment for certain common respiratory conditions, such as flu and strep throat, in states that already authorize pharmacists to provide these services. Many other Americans can already access this care, but seniors miss out because pharmacists are overlooked as eligible healthcare providers in the Social Security Act. The bill is a pragmatic fix that would improve access to timely care, ease pressure on emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, and physician offices, and help prevent avoidable and costly hospitalizations.
The legislation has built steady momentum this year. The House Ways and Means Committee advanced H.R. 3164 by a voice vote in May, and the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the bill on September 15. In total, 176 members of Congress, almost one-third of both chambers, have cosponsored it, and more than 170 organizations support it, including senior and rural advocacy groups, patient advocacy organizations, pharmacists, and health systems. We are grateful to every lawmaker who has helped bring this legislation so far.
Our goal now is passage before the end of this Congress. Government funding runs through December 11, and the weeks following the November 3 elections will bring funding and possibly other legislative items to the forefront. H.R. 3164 / S. 2426 is well-positioned for inclusion in [ READ MORE ]
Pharmacy Coalition Commends CMS RFI on Medicare Part D Reasonable and Relevant Pharmacy Contracting Standards
A national coalition of pharmacy groups today issued the following statement on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) RFI on Medicare Part D Reasonable and Relevant Pharmacy Contracting Standards — which is part of the implementation of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms enacted in February 2026:
Our organizations welcome CMS’s release of a thoughtful and comprehensive Request for Information (RFI) to inform the development and implementation of standards for reasonable and relevant Medicare Part D pharmacy contract terms and conditions. The RFI represents an important step toward translating Congress’s bipartisan reforms into meaningful protections for pharmacies and Medicare beneficiaries. Through detailed questions addressing the contracting practices and operational issues that matter most to pharmacies and the patients they serve, CMS has demonstrated its commitment to building a robust factual record and developing workable, transparent, and enforceable standards.
We commend CMS for engaging constructively with stakeholders throughout this process and look forward to providing a comprehensive response to the RFI. Our coalition remains committed to working collaboratively with CMS to ensure these reforms strengthen pharmacy access and choice for Medicare beneficiaries.
ICYMI: Drug Store News highlights pharmacy’s expanding role in health and wellness — and how NACDS members, united through NACDS, are helping lead the way
Inside the feature: PBM reform, NACDS' Nourish My Health campaign, chronic disease screening, and the push for expanded access to pharmacist-provided services.
Governor Lee Signs Fair Rx Act into Law Delivering Landmark Victory for Tennessee Pharmacies and Patients
New law protects patient access and affordability, ensuring a level playing field for Tennessee pharmacies.
Pharmacy Advocates Make Their Voices Heard on Capitol Hill
Thank you to every member organization, student pharmacist, and advocate who helped make this year’s NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill such a success.
NACDS Honors U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter with Congressional Leadership Award
Congressman honored for legislation to lower Americans' drug and healthcare costs and to preserve access to trusted pharmacies.
NACDS on State of the Union: PBM Reforms Are a Historic Step Forward to Lower People’s Drug Costs and Protect Pharmacy Access
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson issued the following statement in anticipation of President Trump’s State of the Union address:
“As President Trump addresses the nation in the State of the Union, NACDS recognizes an unmistakable accomplishment for the President and for Congress: enactment of the most extensive federal pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms yet. These reforms are essential for reducing Americans’ prescription drug costs and preserving access to pharmacies—the most accessible and among the most trusted healthcare destinations in our communities.
“NACDS recognizes the leaders in Congress who built the sound policies and the consensus needed to move these reforms forward. Now, it is essential that everyone understands what comes next: these PBM reforms must be implemented and enforced fully so Americans, taxpayers, and pharmacy teams see their intended benefits. It is also gratifying to see members of Congress making clear that additional legislation will be needed—and that they intend to pursue and deliver further solutions that strengthen accountability, protect patients, and sustain community access to pharmacy care.”
NACDS Calls for Continued Momentum on PBM Reform as House Subcommittee Examines Drug Supply Chain
Historic PBM reforms enacted last week mark a major milestone — and swift implementation and additional reforms remain essential.
PBM Reform Enactment Makes Headlines
President Trump signs landmark federal PBM reforms into law.
