As Walgreens closes more stores in low-income areas, San Francisco is investigating a pharmacy co-op model to support independent pharmacies. Supervisor Jackie Fielder has tasked the Budget and Legislative Analyst with exploring this model, which may allow partnerships between independent and city-run pharmacies. This initiative aims to bypass pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which have been criticized for their role in pharmacy closures. The investigation will also review bulk purchasing of medications to help local pharmacies mitigate financial struggles, with a report expected in five to six months.
Walgreens is closing more stores this month, leading to a city initiative that explores a pharmacy co-op model to prevent pharmacy deserts in low-income neighborhoods.
The Budget and Legislative Analyst will explore how a pharmacy co-op network might support local pharmacies and bypass the pricing issues posed by pharmacy benefit managers.
The investigation aims to assess bulk purchasing feasibility by the Department of Public Health, easing the financial burden on struggling local pharmacies.
Similar to Mark Cuban's Cost Plus drug venture, the city-run pharmacy co-ops concept could potentially sustain independent pharmacies facing challenges from PBMs.
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