Letter to the editor: Saving independent pharmacies

One privately owned pharmacy in Ligonier closed last month. The remaining independent pharmacy is battling with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurance companies to retain its customers and stay open.

In its July 24 story “Pharmacies are disappearing across Pennsylvania as operators blame a broken payment system,” Spotlight PA reports “the reimbursements offered (to small pharmacies) through insurance plans frequently don’t cover the costs of the drugs themselves or the related overhead expenses.” Corporate pharmacies like CVS, Giant Eagle and Walmart are reimbursed at higher rates.

It is appalling that local small businesses that have served their communities for years are being forced to close by Highmark and UPMC corporate interests.

My father, my grandfather and my great-grandfather owned small businesses. Local support literally put food on my family’s table for generations. Corporate action that damages small businesses feels personal. PBMs, along with Highmark and UPMC, would shutter retail establishments like my family’s.

Closures are not unique to Ligonier. Independent pharmacies are closing across the state. Legislation passed in Harrisburg in 2024 to address this problem isn’t doing enough. I urge readers to call their insurance companies and their legislators. Tell them you want your local independent pharmacy to fill your prescriptions.

Helen Sitler

Ligonier