(L-R) APRx member Rob Bullington of Tennessee, U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, APRx VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright. 

American Pharmacies advocacy leaders – including four APRx Board Members – turned out in force last week for the second annual APRx Federal Fly-In in Washington, D.C. The group’s mission was to deepen their congressional connections and to press the need for passing significant PBM reforms this year. That mission was top of mind when they met with more than 38 Congressional offices in one day. 

APRx VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright, who was the driving force behind the fly-in, was overjoyed with the high level of enthusiasm and performance demonstrated by members, advocacy partners and APRx staff during the meetings. 



“The entire event was a success from start to finish,” Wright said. “The ability to put forward this type of quality engagement in such a compact period of time with the focus on protecting the existence of the independent pharmacy community is a testament to the commitment of resources, personnel and passion from American Pharmacies on a national scale.” 

APRx member Rob Bullington, a pharmacy owner from Tennessee and first-time Federal Fly-In participant was grateful for the solidarity exhibited amongst his peers.

"Pharmacists from different states united to help each other voice our concerns to Congress," said Bullington. "I sat in on six different meetings. It was an extreme RUSH of adrenaline. After each meeting, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Now that I have gained this experience, I will recruit my pharmacy peers to join these efforts. Thank you to American Pharmacies for organizing such a great event." 

Specific Asks

House: Urge House Representatives to ensure that ― H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which was passed by the House last December ― is included as part of any agreed-upon healthcare package with the Senate and signed into law this year. 

Senate: Urge Senators to prioritize the passage this year of three bipartisan bills that would provide greater transparency, accountability, and other critically important PBM reforms:  

• S. 2973, the Modernizing & Ensuring PBM Accountability Act (MEPA) and S. 3430, the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs & Extenders Act, both passed by the Senate Finance Committee; and  
• S. 1339, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act, passed by Senate HELP.

Read More About HR 5378 | Read More About the Senate Bills

American Pharmacies Parties in Attendance

American Pharmacies Board Members

American Pharmacies Staff

American Pharmacies Member Pharmacists

Representatives from Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT) – our fierce ally in the PBM reform fight – Executive Director Monique Whitney, and PUTT Board members Brandi Chane and Lauren Young also took part in the meetings. 

(L-R): APRx member John Gross of Michigan presents the case for PBM reform. 

(L-R): APRx Board member Russell Pelzel of Texas, PUTT Board member Lauren Young, APRx member John Hickman and Board member Mark Vogler of Texas."

At a private pre-event dinner, Rep. Diana Harshbarger of Tennessee – a 30-year pharmacy owner – spent considerable time with the APRx group and made it clear that not only does she support our issues, but she is also living our issues as a pharmacist and pharmacy owner. She humorously remarked, “I gave up being part of the most trusted profession to join the least trusted,” poking fun at her role in Congress. Harshberger took time to personally connect with everyone at the table, speaking with passion and a deep understanding of the issues pharmacists face.  



The day of the fly-in kicked off with a breakfast meeting with Jack Ganter, Health Legislative Assistant to Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia, a former pharmacy owner and a staunch supporter of independent pharmacy in Congress. Ganter provided a realistic overview of the political climate and where each of the bills we support currently stands. He offered guidance on best practices for engaging with legislators and expressed his willingness to assist with any necessary follow-up meetings. Joining the group for breakfast were invited guests Jenni Zilka, President of Good Neighbor Pharmacy and Darrel Rogers, Senior Manager, Federal Government Advocacy at Cencora.  

Rep. Diana Harshbarger speaks with APRx member Stephen Joyce of North Carolina as John Hickman of Texas and EVP and General Counsel Miguel Rodriguez listen in.

(L-R): APRx EVP & General Counsel Miguel Rodgriguez, Board Chairman Joe Ochoa of Texas, member Heidi Snyder of New York, lobbyist Steven Irizarry, staffer Jack Ganter and APRx VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright.

“The knowledge base that now exists amongst Congressional members and key staff of both the U.S. Senate & U.S. House of Representatives on PBM related issues and the economic challenges that independent pharmacies face today is both impressive and widespread,” Wright said. “This is a major step forward from just a few years ago.” 

Important Takeaways from the Meetings 

• Legislators and their staff are increasingly aware of PBM practices, much more so than last year. It is important that we continue to educate Congress on pharmacy matters.  
• Optimism and hope permeated throughout Congressional halls with most feeling encouraged that some form of PBM reform would pass in 2024. 
• The fly-in ignited a willingness to act in American Pharmacies members who attended, motivating several attendees to spearhead advocacy efforts in their home states. This type of grassroots outreach is critical and many more American Pharmacies members must get involved, both in Washington and at home. 
• Preparation is key to delivering the message. The preparation, relationships and strategic insights provided by our staff and our Washington lobby firm were instrumental to the success of our visits.  

Congressional Offices Visited 

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ACTION REQUIRED: URGE Congress to ACT NOW on PBM Reform

Time is short, so act now.

Enthusiasm for PBM reform is surging in Congress, and our allies are working tirelessly to build support for passing reforms this year. But time is running short: Congress has only three work weeks in September before members leave to campaign, not returning until Nov. 12. for a lame-duck session of just five legislative weeks. 

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