Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) visited Better Health Pharmacy and Wellness in Olyphant, Pa., owned by Eric Pusey, on Tuesday, Aug. 18, holding a press conference on the vital importance of continued PBM reform and celebrating the wins achieved thus far this Congress. NCPA Director of Congressional Affairs David Weissman introduced Bresnahan and Pusey to attendees, noting NCPA’s strong presence in the district and the state as well as how pharmacy closures impact the community.
Bresnahan spoke about the importance of independent pharmacies to their community, against the backdrop of a pharmacy counter staffed by some of Pusey’s 14 hard-working employees. He reiterated his commitment to working on PBM reform legislation, specifically his goal to help pass a ban on spread pricing in Medicaid managed care programs, a provision which was initially included in several government funding vehicles before eventually being removed. That provision is part of the “PBM Reform Act” (H.R. 4317), a bill introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), which Bresnahan cosponsored.
He has also supported the “Main Street Pharmacy Access Act” (H.R. 3164) and the “Pharmacists Fight Back [in Employee Health Benefits Programs] Act” (H.R. 6610). Bresnahan noted at the end of his remarks that he plans to introduce a House companion to S. 4189, the “INSULIN Act of 2026,” which would seek to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin.
In his remarks, Pusey noted specific examples of under-reimbursement from the “big three” PBMs he has experienced, the unique services his team provides (such as home delivery and immunization), and the consequences for local patients who lose access to those services if their area pharmacy closes. Following the press conference, Pusey took Bresnahan and Weissman on a tour of his store.
Attendees included local media and representatives from two other NCPA pharmacies, including Todd and Wayne Stephens, COO and owner of Stephens Pharmacy in Honesdale, Pa. respectively; and Chuck Obeid, owner of Sheehan’s Pharmacy in Plains.
Pharmacy visits such as these are an effective way to communicate to legislators the critical necessity for passing additional PBM reforms into law. Take advantage of NCPA’s Month of Action resources and invite your legislators to visit your pharmacy. You can also let us know of your interest in participating by completing this interest form or by emailing Michael Rule at mrule@ncpa.org.
