OPA is taking a different approach to the PBM conversation.
I’m pleased to announce the formation of the OPA PBM Task Force, which will bring together pharmacy professionals and other stakeholders to look beyond the traditional PBM debate and identify practical, meaningful solutions for Ohio pharmacy. I’m also pleased to announce that OPA Past President Marc Sweeney will chair the Task Force. Marc brings a strong understanding of PBMs, the challenges facing pharmacy professionals, as well as a willingness to look at these issues from new and different perspectives.
We know the challenges created by PBMs are significant—from reimbursement and network issues to administrative burdens and the growing influence of large, vertically integrated businesses. OPA will continue to advocate for meaningful PBM reform, including the important reforms currently being considered in the Ohio General Assembly.
At the same time, we believe advocacy should be more than identifying problems. We need to be solutions-oriented and willing to think outside the box. That means exploring opportunities to work with smaller, independent PBMs and other innovative organizations that may be willing to approach relationships with pharmacy professionals differently. It means asking what a better PBM-pharmacy relationship could actually look like and then working with interested partners to build it.
The Task Force will explore opportunities to develop relationships with smaller or alternative PBMs, identify models that provide more sustainable and transparent reimbursement, expand opportunities for pharmacy professionals to play a greater role in patient care and practice advancement, and develop innovative approaches that could improve access, outcomes and the sustainability of pharmacy practice.
This is not about abandoning our efforts to reform the existing PBM system. It is about recognizing that we can pursue multiple strategies at the same time. If there are organizations willing to work with Ohio pharmacy professionals in a meaningful way, OPA wants to have those conversations.
We don't expect to solve every PBM challenge overnight. But we do believe OPA has an opportunity to help create new models rather than simply react to the old ones. Our goal is simple: identify partners, develop workable solutions, and advance pharmacy practice.
We will keep you informed as the Task Force’s work develops and as opportunities emerge for members to participate. If you have ideas, potential contacts, or examples of innovative PBM or payer models that you believe OPA should explore, we want to hear from you: opa@ohiopharmacists.org.
This is about thinking differently and turning that thinking into meaningful change for Ohio pharmacy.
Nick Newman, PharmD
President
Ohio Pharmacists Association