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WHITE HOUSE ORDERS GLOBAL PRICING BENCHMARK FOR U.S. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
administration estimates that this inter- national reference pricing model could reduce costs for certain drugs by up to 80%. The executive order also includes pro- visions targeting rebate structures and limiting the influence of pharmacy ben- efit managers (PBMs), signaling a major disruption to current pharmaceutical pricing frameworks. While the order is advocacy groups and bipartisan law- makers have introduced several reform bills, none have advanced far enough to offer real relief. The closures are espe - cially concentrated in rural and under- served areas, leaving patients without nearby access to critical medications and healthcare services. For pharmacy technicians in these settings, job secu- rity and continuity of care are now in jeopardy. This growing crisis under- scores the urgent need for legislative action and unified advocacy across the pharmacy profession.
expected to face legal and industry push- back, it marks a turning point in the national conversation on drug afford - ability. For pharmacy technicians, this could lead to major changes in inven- tory management, patient affordability assistance, and formulary adjustments. The ripple effects will likely be felt across both retail and health-system pharmacy operations.
INDEPENDENT PHARMACIES CLOSING AT ALARMING RATE AMID PBM REFORM GRIDLOCK More than 300 independent pharma- cies have shuttered their doors since late 2024, with industry experts point- ing to Congress’s failure to enact com- prehensive PBM reform as the primary driver. The current reimbursement model—largely dictated by PBMs—con- tinues to strain small pharmacies, with many unable to maintain profitability under below-cost payment structures and delayed reimbursements. While In a bold move aimed at lowering med- ication costs, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 12, 2025, mandating that U.S. prescription drug prices be tied to the lowest prices paid by other developed countries. The
FARMACIAS SIMILARES BRINGS “DR. SIMI” AND AFFORDABLE PHARMACY MODEL TO TEXAS
Similares has found massive success in Mexico by making medications more accessible to underserved communities. Its U.S. expansion could shake up the pharmacy landscape, especially in areas where independent and community pharmacies are struggling to compete on price. The move signals a growing demand for culturally competent, afford - able pharmacy services. Pharmacy tech- nicians may find emerging job oppor- tunities in these new locations or face increased competition depending on geographic overlap.
Farmacias Similares—the iconic Mexican pharmacy chain known for its low-cost medications and dancing “Dr. Simi” mascot—has officially established its U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas. The com- pany is entering the American market with plans to offer over-the-counter drugs, health supplements, and eventu- ally, prescription services in cities with large Latino populations. Known for its no-frills, discount model, Farmacias
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