New data released by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) finds that roughly 30 percent of independent pharmacies have chosen not to stock certain drugs selected for Medicare’s drug price negotiation.
NCPA surveyed 8,000 pharmacy owners and managers in January 2025, finding that about 93 percent of independent pharmacists are either already not or are considering to not stock one or more of the 10 Medicare Part D drugs selected for the first round of price negotiations. Of those, approximately 60 percent are still deliberating, while nearly 33 percent have already made the decision not to carry these drugs.
Additionally, the survey highlighted significant financial challenges facing community pharmacists. Nearly 40 percent of pharmacists reported being paid below the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for more than 40 percent of their Part D prescriptions. Moreover, about 49 percent said their business’s financial health deteriorated significantly in 2024, and roughly 30 percent are considering closing their pharmacies in 2025.
While the price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act were intended to reduce prescription drug costs, they may have unintended consequences, including limiting access to essential medications. Read the survey here.
Last Updated on February 7, 2025 by Aimed Alliance
