Don’t let big companies stifle small pharmacies

As a local community pharmacist, I wanted to call attention to a troubling lobbying effort by big health care in Washington. Pharmaceutical companies and chain drugstores are trying to limit the coverage of seniors with Medicare Part D plans.

Regulators at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are considering new rules that would expand pharmacy choice for those on Medicare. However, opponents of this rule are misleading policymakers and patients and disregarding the value that community pharmacists provide.

CMS should allow any pharmacy that adheres to its standards to participate in Medicare's preferred pharmacy networks. And our health care industry must continue to embrace the critical role of providers, including pharmacists. It makes good medical sense for local pharmacies to continue to provide hands-on advice and even better for patients' well-being and health.

Kevin Christians

ValuMed Pharmacy, Owner

Coralville