Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, and Rep. Tom Marino, R-PA, introduced legislation this week that would help independently-owned community pharmacies compete with larger companies.
H.R. 1188, or the Preserving Our Hometown Independent Pharmacies Act of 2013, will offer limited exemption for community pharmacies from antitrust laws that currently prohibit them from collaborating with other pharmacies to negotiate better contract terms from the larger companies that dominate the prescription drug marketplace, according to a statement from Chu’s office.
The bill would allow independent pharmacies, such as Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain in South Pasadena, more leverage when negotiating with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.
“This is crucial to making sure corporate interests don’t achieve market dominance over prescription drugs, and will safeguard countless jobs in our communities that would otherwise be lost due to competitive disadvantage,” said Chu, who represents South Pas in the 27th Congressional district.
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