Local pharmacists are expressing concerns over the affordability of stocking EpiPens following the implementation of a new cost capping state law. The law allows some Coloradans to purchase a pack of two EpiPens for just $60, provided they are not eligible for Health First Colorado or Medicare. While this change aims to make the life-saving medication more accessible, pharmacists are worried about the financial strain it imposes on them.
Pharmacists in Colorado Springs, such as John Cernac from Blende Drug Inc., have expressed hope that more people in need will be able to access EpiPens at a lower cost. However, they have also voiced their concerns about the impact on their businesses. As it stands, pharmacists are buying a pack of two EpiPens for approximately $600. This hefty expense is leading them to rely more on generic brands, which cost about half as much.
Barry Patterson, a pharmacist at Medicine Shoppe, highlighted the financial burden faced by pharmacists when selling EpiPens at the capped price. To give it to a patient at $60… we’re just losing money, Patterson said. The fear of running their businesses at a loss has led some pharmacists to consider limiting the availability of EpiPens. Another pharmacist who chose to remain anonymous due to a gag order in their contract added, You’re stuck in the middle, what do you do, who pays for that?
The potential negative impact on their businesses is exacerbated by the fact that many independent pharmacies are already struggling due to lower reimbursement costs. Patterson explained, There’s been so many independents gone out in the last five or six years unfortunately, it is because of lower reimbursement cost. The pharmacists are therefore calling for full reimbursements on EpiPens, allowing them to both maintain stock and remain financially viable.
While the State House Committee of Health and Insurance has stated that the law mandates manufacturers to reimburse pharmacies, the pharmacists interviewed for this article expressed uncertainty about the details and how it will work in practice. The reimbursement process will be crucial for ensuring that pharmacies can continue to supply EpiPens at an affordable price while also covering their own expenses.
The concerns raised by pharmacists highlight the delicate balance between public accessibility to life-saving medications and the financial viability of local businesses. The burden they face raises questions about who should bear the cost difference and underscores the need for clearer reimbursement mechanisms to support pharmacies. If solutions are not found, there is a risk of further closures among independent pharmacies, leaving communities with fewer accessible healthcare options.
In conclusion, the new cost capping state law allowing Coloradans to purchase EpiPens at a reduced price has sparked worries among local pharmacists who fear that they may not be able to afford to stock the medication due to the financial strain it places on their businesses. Clear reimbursement arrangements from manufacturers will be crucial in ensuring that pharmacists can continue to provide this life-saving medication to the public while also covering their own costs. Failure to find a solution may result in further closures of independent pharmacies, limiting healthcare options for communities.
