The Independent Pharmacy Alliance Podcast

How Diabetes Support Can Empower Your Business

Over 38 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, which is about 1 in 10 people, and it can be hard for someone to go to the doctor's office and get the advice they need.  There is an opportunity for pharmacies, especially independent pharmacies, to fill in this space and provide that knowledge.  This week, Anthony speaks with Lucille Hughes, the Director of Scientific Communication at Embecta, about the advances in diabetes treatment and ways a local pharmacist can step up to support diabetic patients. 

Independent Pharmacy Matters - 22-Year-Old Dies From Asthma Attack. We Speak To The Dad

In 2024, the price of Cole Schmidtknecht's inhaler exceeded $500, and he had to choose between his inhaler and rent. He chose rent, and after an asthma attack, he died at the age of 22. When his parents realized what had happened, they went to work to make sure no other family would have to go through the same tragedy they had. This week, we spoke to his father, Bil Schmidtknecht, about what part PBM pricing played in his son's death, how independent pharmacies helped save his own life, and the fight to make a change in the law to prevent this from happening again.

Medicaid Cuts Are Coming and SAVENJRX Is Working to Protect Pharmacies and Patients

New Jersey pharmacists are bracing for potential cuts to the state's Medicaid program due to Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. As the legislature gets ready to move back into session, SAVENJRX is working to secure patient access to pharmacies and lower drug prices. This week, Anthony talks about state Medicaid cuts and what is being done on a national level.   

VaxServe Gives Personalized Care to Independent Pharmacies

One of the many services the Independent Pharmacy Alliance offers its members is partnering with companies that seek to help independent pharmacies. One such company is VaxServe. VaxServe is a leading specialty distributor of vaccines that provides immunization expertise and solutions to help healthcare partners achieve their immunization goals. So what can they do for small business owners like you? We discuss that and more with Amanda Domenick, a Key Account Specialist at VaxServe.

Trump's Big Beautiful Bill and PBM Reform

Right now, President Trump is trying to pass his budget bill through the House of Representatives, and while it could have far-reaching effects throughout the country, it will also affect PBM Reform. So, to try and understand everything that is going on, we have a mega episode for you, one that will be co-hosted by our friend Laurie Clark from the Garden State Pharmacy Owners.  Together, she and Anthony talk to Ronna Hauser and Anne Cassity from the National Community Pharmacists Association to figure out what's going on in Washington and how it will affect independent pharmacists.

Congressman Jake Auchincloss on the Bills That Are and Aren't Passing Congress

Representing Massachusetts's 4th District, we are joined by Representative Jake Auchincloss this week. We discuss recent bills killed on the House floor, bills he is looking to introduce that will help independent pharmacists, and what issues have bi-partisan support, even in this highly politicized environment. 

Game-Changer for Independent Pharmacies

A new PBM Law has gone into effect that could change the industry and New Jersey is spearheading the effort. This could change how Independent Pharmacists get paid nationwide if we do our part.  So what do we need to do? Laurie Clark joins the podcast this week to explain.

The Lame Duck Congress and Passing PBM Reform

The Lame Duck session of Congress has begun. It is less than a month until all business in Washington, D.C. ends and the new administration begins. This means there is only a limited time left to pass legislation that would help independent pharmacists, such as the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act and the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. This week, Anthony discusses tangible actions you can take to help get these laws passed and why that not only helps you, the business owner, but you, the everyday taxpayer, your family, friends, and customers. 

Moderna CEO Joins to Talk Independent Pharmacies' Part in Vaccination

This week Anthony is joined by a special guest Stéphane Bancel, the CEO of Moderna Therapeutics. They discuss independent pharmacies' role in the vaccination effort and touch on Moderna's current innovations. Stéphane also offers business tips to independent pharmacy owners across the nation.

Axe RX - A Discount Card That Can Help Make You Money

Many discount card programs are scams.  Independent pharmacists can get burned when patients use these cards because they lose money. Al Branca works with Axe Rx and says that this program is different. This week Anthony talks with Al and he explains what makes Axe Rx different, how it can help you avoid audits, and why it's worth at least trying.