Hochul should reject pharmacy legislation

The commentary “Hochul, protect local pharmacies,” Oct. 9, by three New York lawmakers promoting legislation that will benefit the independent pharmacy lobby unfortunately misses the mark on how to effectively lower prescription drug costs.

The lawmakers are pushing, on behalf of the independent pharmacy lobby, Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the legislation into law based on the faulty premise that independent pharmacies in New York are somehow struggling to survive. The fact is that they’re not. Independent pharmacies are well in New York and in most states.

According to an academic analysis of data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, the number of independent pharmacies in New York increased 25 percent from 2011 to 2021 while chain pharmacies decreased 14 percent.

A recent column by Colin Valenta owner of Dougherty Pharmacy in New York, states: “There are more independent pharmacies in New York state than chain, grocery and box store pharmacies combined. This is likely due to the New York City region where costs for the large chain locations are not as practical as in upstate New York. Independent pharmacies continue to thrive in significant numbers in the state.”

The bottom line is: The legislation puts in new and unnecessary regulatory mandates that will increase prescription drug costs in New York. Why make prescriptions unaffordable and weaken safety protocols for dispensing because the independent pharmacy lobby disingenuously says they’re struggling?

Hochul should not allow special interest-backed legislation to harm New York patients. Lauren Rowley

Washington, D.C. Senior Vice President,

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association