A staggering number of pharmacies across America are shuttering their doors. What does this mean for you?
Most seniors depend on prescription medications
The growing aging population of the United States is dependent on medicine for wellbeing. Per Washington Post, in 2021 and 2022 nearly 90 percent of older adults (over 65) regularly took at least one prescription drug. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the high number of pharmacies slated to close will greatly affect senior citizens. Many mature Americans prefer in-store purchases to online transactions. As with all things, change is inevitable. Seniors must stay on top of their game by understanding solutions to the growing number of closing pharmacy locations in the U.S.
Why are pharmacies closing doors?
Per NBC’s 3rd Hour Today highlights, it’s happening now! Walgreens is closing 1,200 pharmacy locations, CVS 900, and Rite Aid 800, because these stores aren’t making money. There are numerous reasons why, but the news cites competition from Amazon and big box stores, high prices at the front end, middlemen and reimbursement issues, and competitive prescription markets as some key factors. In addition to shifting consumer habits in part fueled by COVID, other circumstances also come into play such as high crime (shoplifting) in some areas, prior mergers, and taxes and steep financial costs that render old business models no longer relevant. Many consumers have noticed in-store pharmacy understaffing – resulting in poor customer experiences – so customer service is generally spiraling down.
Since pharmacies are closing, what should seniors do?
Seniors must protect themselves and find solutions to secure timely access to safe medications. Unfortunately, the burden is on consumers to find solutions – which is why a conversation with your doctor can provide excellent guidance. If your local pharmacy closes, or is in danger of closing, ask your family doctor and/or medical insurance provider for recommendations. It is likely that a shift from in-store buying to making purchases online is inevitable, so be prepared for that change. The main advantage is that seniors may set up recurring deliveries so that medications are not missed. Doctors may offer 90-day-supply prescriptions for some medications, making refills less frequent and easier for consumers.
Are there dangers from ordering online?
For safety, you don’t want to order medications randomly. You’ll want to buy them from a licensed pharmacy in the United States. Seniors in search of online pharmacies should use FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign resource tool to make informed decisions about where to purchase prescription medications from an online pharmacy. FDA also monitors unsafe online pharmacies, so if you experience unexpected side effects associated with the use of prescription drugs, please promptly report that information to FDA using MedWatch. FDA offers links to locate state-licensed online pharmacies as well as resources for consumers and health professionals to educate patients on buying prescriptions.
Can AMAC help?
AMAC members can gain access to ScriptSaver Plus, offering a discount on membership and unlocking major prescription services. Once enrolled, the program offers over 800+ of the most prescribed medications, including 128 acute and 688 maintenance medications, for free. Medications can be delivered directly to your door, so be sure to check it out!
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource or substitute for professional advice. Talk to your family doctor/medical insurance provider for guidance.