The Independent Pharmacy Alliance Podcast

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. 

Protests at Express Scripts and the Woman Who Led Them

Loretta Boesing's son, a transplant survivor reliant on medication every 12 hours, faced a scary situation with a mail-order pharmacy, an experience that could have been fatal. Determined not to be defeated, Loretta mobilized dozens of protestors outside Express Scripts and planned to confront other PBMs that mandate mail-order systems. This week, Anthony discussed with Loretta the critical role of independent pharmacies in her son's health, her organization, Unite for Safe Medication, aims to support these pharmacies and learn how you can contribute to her cause.

Anthony went to Washington. Has the PBM reform package been revived?

In the Mr. Smith sequel no one expected, Anthony, just came back from the National Community Pharmacists Association Government Affairs Conference in D.C. and has news about the PBM Package. This week he shares what was learned at the conference, and what legislators are saying behind closed doors.  And how you can help get this package approved before the 2024 election.

Mark Cuban, Data Hacks, and How To Protect Yourself

A lot of news came out in the pharmacy industry recently.  Mark Cuban was at a White House round table speaking his truth about PBMs, and then there was the data hack of Change Healthcare affecting thousands of people, which led us to discuss best practices when protecting the data for your small business.

Retail Pharmacy Trends Heading Into 2024

2024 could be a crazy year for the independent pharmacist. While we are optimistic about new legislation that could help the fight against PBMs we are also looking at rising labor challenges. With so many big retailers shutting their doors can we take advantage? This week Anthony looks at the biggest trends in retail pharmacy at the beginning of the new year. 

Is Biden’s Limit on PBMs Backfiring?

There was an article put out by CBS News that caught our eye with the same headline as the podcast. It speaks to The Biden administration's first major step toward imposing limits on the pharmacy benefit managers and how some pharmacists say it's adding to the woes of the independent drugstores it was partly designed to help. So, is it? This week Anthony speaks to the article, whether it's a salacious headline, and what independent pharmacists can do, instead of panicking. 

Unveiling SaveNJRX: Igniting Change in Pharmacy Services!

This week we dive into SaveNJRx, a groundbreaking movement that's shaking up the independent pharmacy landscape in New Jersey!  Meet Brian Oliveira, Executive Director of Garden State Pharmacy Owners, and Svet Milic of Colonia Natural Pharmacy. They're at the forefront of a movement to unite Independent New Jersey Pharmacists, reinstate Medicaid fee-for-service, and secure millions in prescription drug savings for patients and taxpayers.  Learn how you can be a catalyst for this transformation and become a part of this vital cause!

Filing Appeals, Medicare Enrollment, and PBM Audits with IPA

Need help to file appeals for reimbursement? Enrolling in Medicare? How about PBM Audits? We have the person for you. This week we speak to Heather Rodgers, IPA’s Senior Member Services Administrator. She will speak about how she can help you, the cost of filing the paperwork, and the cost of not taking advantage of these services.    

Big Drug Price Changes and the Best Disney Rides

It's a mailbag episode. This week we talk about a slew of different topics including the most important PBM-related news in 2023, how the new debt limit deal affects independent pharmacists, and the best rides in Disney World. 

Fly-Ins, DIR Hangovers, and Two Big PBM Reform Bills

Ever go a little too crazy the night before and feel terrible the next day? For an independent pharmacist, I promise a DIR Hangover is way worse. This week we spoke with two members of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Anne Cassity, and the Senior Vice President of Policy Pharmacy Affairs, Ronna Hauser about being in D.C., two big PBM Reform Bills, the Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, and they tell us what exactly a 'DIR Hangover' is.