The PUTTcast

Illinois has scored a monumental win for patients and pharmacies with the passage of HB 1697. This episode dives into the legislation’s groundbreaking PBM reform and unravels how, through bipartisan effort, it amplifies transparency, protects patients and pharmacies by securing fairer practices, and puts the needs of Illinois communities first. 

Join PUTTcast host Lauren Young and PUTT President Deborah Keaveny, with special guests Senator David Koehler, Representative Natalie Manley, IPhA Executive Director Garth Reynolds, and IPhA President David Bagot, as they explore the impacts of this victory and what it signals in the fight for healthcare justice.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Fiduciary responsibility in the healthcare industry is a pressing issue, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are under increasing scrutiny. In this episode of The PUTTcast, we discuss how PBMs and their big insurance counterparts are using ERISA as a shield to avoid fiduciary accountability to employers. From the groundbreaking Rutledge SCOTUS decision to whistleblower revelations, we examine how the "fiduciary" concept is transforming the world of PBM reform and the transparency needed to make it happen. 

This episode is a wake-up call for employers and policymakers alike. 

Join PUTTcast host Lauren Young, co-host Chris Hobart, PharmD, and special guest Chris Deacon, JD, as they bring unparalleled insights into how regulatory enforcement, employer education, and data transparency are key battlegrounds in the critical fight for accountability.

Episode Guest: Chris Deacon, JD, owner, VerSan Consulting, former NJ Deputy Attorney General, and past Director, NJ state health plan

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Breaking Down the Current Politics of Federal Prescription Drug Reform

Tired of legalese and political jargon surrounding federal prescription drug reform? This episode dives deep into President Trump’s recent healthcare reform Executive Order and what it really means for patients and their pharmacies. We’ll untangle topics like:

• The truth behind IRA drug price negotiations and how they could impact pharmacies and ultimately, patient access.  
• Why Medicare and Long Term Care pricing continues to be a battleground. 
• How prescription drug rebates under current Safe Harbor laws create more problems than solutions.  
• The shocking facts behind drug pricing disparities and their real-world consequences.  
• The ongoing battle for PBM reform - and what could lie ahead.

We’re joined by Mark Boesen, J.D., PharmD, of Boesen & Snow Law, who brings his expertise in pharmaceutical law, policy, and advocacy to help us decode the political language. Together, we discuss who could benefit and who could be harmed - because when it comes down to it, prescription drug reform and PBM reform are 2 sides of the same coin.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

How Independent Pharmacies Can Amplify Their Voice

At its core, PBM reform is not just a critical pharmacy issue - it’s a patient care issue. Join us for this insightful episode as we explore how independent pharmacies can use psychology, AI, and community-building strategies to craft testimony, fight misleading PBM narratives, and create a united voice for reform. 

Special Guest: Ken Patel, RPh, co-founder Arizona Independent Pharmacy Coalition

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Arkansas is fighting back against the abusive, anticompetitive practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This episode dives into the systemic lawbreaking by PBMs and their exploitation of current laws - which comes at the expense of taxpayers, pharmacies, and Arkansas communities. This isn’t just about corporate greed—it’s about the lives of Arkansas families, patients, and healthcare providers. HB 1150 represents a critical effort to hold PBMs accountable and protect access to care for communities across the state.

Special Guests:

• AR State Representative Jeremiah Moore
• AR State Senator Kim Hammer
• AR State Representative Brandon Achor
• Arkansas Pharmacists Association CEO John Vinson

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have long held disproportionate control over pharmacy reimbursement systems. But is change finally on the horizon? 

In this episode, we sit down with Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger to dissect the pressing issues surrounding PBM practices and discuss why now is the time to act. From federal legislation already in the works to the decisive importance of the first 100 days of 2025, Congresswoman Harshbarger walks us through her goals for actionable, enforceable PBM reform.

Special Guest: Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Don’t miss this insightful episode on why H.R. 9096 (The Pharmacists FIght Back Act) is essential for all communities. On the heels of last week’s successful press conference, PUTTcast host Lauren Young continues the conversation on why this legislation is a game-changer for pharmacies, small businesses, and patients, and provides practical advice on advocacy techniques that can help tip the balance in favor of this crucial legislation.

If you find this episode valuable, please share it with your network and consider reaching out to your federal legislators to express your support for H.R. 9096: The Pharmacists Fight Back Act.

Special Guests: Greg Reybold, APCI VP of Healthcare Policy & Monique Whitney, PUTT Executive Director

Useful Links:

Find Your Legislator: Find and contact elected officials | USAGov

H.R. 9096 The Pharmacists Fight Back Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9096

Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan Drug Pricing, Variability, Specialty Drug Markups, & Steering Uncovered (APCI white paper): https://www.apcinet.com/Portals/0/leg-affairs/insights/apci-insights-002.pdf

Music by Oleg Fedak (https://pixabay.com/users/soulprodmusic-30064790)

Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Welcome to our new short-form version of The PUTTcast!

In our first episode, host Lauren Young dives into the intricacies of House Bill 9096, also known as the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. Joining her are distinguished guests—Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Greg Reybold, Vice President of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel at the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI), and Monique Whitney, PUTT Executive Director. Together, they unravel the essentials of this pivotal PBM reform bill and its implications on drug prices, patient access, the viability of independent pharmacies, and enforcement measures.

Guests:

• Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA): A prominent advocate for healthcare reform and sponsor of H.R. 9096 with Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Congressman Auchincloss brings a wealth of knowledge and legislative experience to the discussion.
• Greg Reybold: Greg is the VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel at APCI (American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc.). He brings extensive knowledge on healthcare policy and the intricacies of PBM regulations.
• Monique Whitney: Monique serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency. As a vocal advocate for PBM reform, she offers a unique perspective on how HR 9096 will affect pharmacies and patients alike

• Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan: Drug Pricing, Variability, Specialty Drug Markups, & Steering Uncovered (APCI white paper)
• H.R. 9096 The Pharmacists Fight Back Act

Music by Oleg Fedak (https://pixabay.com/users/soulprodmusic-30064790)

Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard