(L-R) APRx Board Vice Chairman Grant Brown of Michigan, VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), APRx member Chris Munden, and APRx Board Member John Gross of Michigan

American Pharmacies advocacy leaders—including seven APRx Board Members—made a strong showing last week at the third annual APRx Federal Fly-In in Washington, D.C. Their mission: strengthen connections on Capitol Hill and advance meaningful PBM reforms. In just one day, they engaged with more than 45 Congressional offices, sharing firsthand insights and personal stories to drive action. 

APRx members and guests meet with key Senate and House staffers to discuss PBM reform

Early Engagement with CMS Sets the Stage for Advocacy Success

Before many Fly-In attendees arrived on Capitol Hill, American Pharmacies leaders—including Board Chairman Steve Hoffart, Board Director Russell Pelzel, VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright, and Steven Irizarry of Roberti Global—met with Alec Aramanda, Principal Deputy Director of the Center for Medicare at CMS.

The group shared key concerns and proposed solutions related to the Inflation Reduction Act, emphasizing the vital role independent pharmacies play in patient care and the potential for disruption in patient care. Discussion topics included prompt payment, fair dispensing fees, manufacturers’ pricing, and demonstration project opportunities. CMS leadership acknowledged these contributions and affirmed their commitment to continued collaboration with American Pharmacies.

Chairman Hoffart underscored the importance of engaging CMS directly:

“Thanks to Steven Irizarry and the Roberti Global team, we had direct access to CMS leadership to share firsthand the challenges community pharmacies face under the Inflation Reduction Act. More importantly, we were able to present solutions to ease these burdens while ensuring continued care for all Medicare patients. It was encouraging to see CMS acknowledge our concerns and commit to ongoing engagement.”

Preparation, Purpose, and Professionalism Shine at APRx 2025 Fly-In

Months of planning and careful preparation were evident in every aspect of the APRx 2025 Federal Fly-In. Attendees, organizers, and partners demonstrated focus, professionalism, and a shared commitment to advocacy.

Reflecting on the experience, APRx VP of Government Affairs Michael Wright said: “Preparation, dedication, understanding the landscape, clarity of message, and awareness of the audience—combined with a genuine commitment to respect, kindness, and gracious hospitality—all came together last week. It was a truly proud moment in American Pharmacies’ history.”

Michael Wright, APRx VP of Government Affairs, briefs Fly-In participants before a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill

APRx member Walter Hughes, III, a pharmacy owner from South Carolina and first-time Federal Fly-In participant, expressed gratitude for the event and its supportive atmosphere.

“Attending this event was both inspiring and rewarding,” said Hughes. “It provided the perfect balance of learning, connection, and encouragement that left me motivated to continue advocating for our profession. I truly appreciate the American Pharmacies team’s outstanding organization, the opportunity to learn effective advocacy from experienced members, and the constant encouragement throughout the event. It was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for the invitation!”

APRx member Walter Hughes, III (SC) and Steven Irizarry meet with a legislative correspondent from U.S. Senator Tim Scott’s (R-SC) office

Specific Asks

House

• Urge House Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 4317, the PBM Reform Act of 2025, introduced in July 2025.
• The Inflation Reduction Act’s MDPNP: Urge Congress to ask CMS to fix their guidance by:

o  Requiring full, timely access payments to pharmacies;

o  Mandating upfront discounts or payments within 14 days; and

o  Ensuring a fair dispensing fee to cover the cost of care.

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.

Audit TRICARE ESI: Payment parity across all TRICARE pharmacy options and an independent audit of ESI’s operations.

Read More About:

HR 4317 | The IRA | The Senate Bills | Audit TRICARE

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)—a strong ally in the PBM reform fight—also joined the effort. Executive Director Monique Whitney, along with Board members Brandi Chane and Chris Hobart (who also serves on the Texas Pharmacy Association Board of Directors), participated in the meetings.

APRx’s Teresa Dickinson (AZ) and Stephen Joyce (NC) join Steven Irizarry and PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney for discussions with Sr. staff from U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson’s (R-NC) office

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell Delivers a Message of Persistence and Hope 

At a private pre-event dinner, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan—who joined bipartisan members of Congress in introducing the PBM Reform Act—spoke to the APRx group about the vital role independent pharmacists play in connecting legislation to the real-world experiences of patients. She stressed that education, advocacy, and persistence are essential to addressing PBM challenges and protecting both pharmacists and patients.

“I’ve become more educated through this process, but most people don’t understand what a PBM is, how much a pill actually costs, or that a copay can be higher than the price of the medication itself. Meanwhile, PBMs are generously reimbursed by insurance companies. It’s ridiculous—the ones who get hurt are independent pharmacists and patients, while PBMs grow richer. When you come to Washington, you have the power to educate people. Tell your stories. We have to get this legislation passed because everyday people are being harmed by PBM exploitation.”

Rep. Dingell closed with a reminder about persistence in the fight for reform:

"You can’t give up. PBMs want to wear us down—that’s their strategy. But you must keep educating and keep fighting. When you do, you achieve results.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan addresses Fly-In attendees at a private dinner, stressing persistence as key in the battle for PBM reform

Attendees Gear Up for Capitol Hill at Fly-In Breakfast

The Fly-In began with a kickoff breakfast where attendees gathered to prepare for a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill. Joining the group for breakfast was invited guest Darrell Rogers, Senior Manager, Federal Government Advocacy at Cencora.  

Fueling up for advocacy—APRx Fly-In participants at breakfast ahead of their Capitol Hill visits

Important Takeaways from the Meetings 

Engaged and Knowledgeable Congressional Offices

Meetings with both Senate and House offices showed that most congressional staff are not only aware of PBM issues but also open to reform. Discussions covered PBM legislation, IRA implementation concerns, TRICARE audits, and fair pharmacy practices—leading to meaningful, productive exchanges.

Advocacy and Community Building in Action

Beyond policy, the Fly-In strengthened the APRx community through networking, collaboration, and shared experiences. Participant feedback confirmed that the event was both professionally rewarding and a proud moment in American Pharmacies’ history.

Well-Prepared Attendees Made a Real Impact

Attendees from nine states confidently shared personal stories and policy insights, creating lasting connections with congressional offices.

Extensive Planning and Flawless Execution

Months of preparation—culminating in more than 45 scheduled and 8 unscheduled congressional meetings—ensured the Fly-In ran smoothly, professionally, and with measurable impact.

Congressional Offices Visited 

Eager and energized, Fly-In attendees make their way to the next meeting

Want to view and download photos from the Fly-In? 

Click here to experience the 2025 APRx Federal Fly-In.



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