With 2025 upon us, CEO Brian Hose has some insights into what 2024 meant to EPIC Rx and what the new year might look like.
The independent pharmacy community has faced many challenges over the years. When asked, CEO Brian Hose stated that the biggest challenge last year and for the foreseeable future is “vertically integrated healthcare companies and further consolidation in the wholesaler space.”
Threats from PBMs to further limit independent pharmacy access to patients through continued decreases in payments and steering patients to large entity-owned pharmacies are main concerns EPIC Rx’s government affairs team plans to continue to work towards overcoming in 2025.
“There is money to be made in the pharmacy space, but these companies are keeping an outsized share and hurting the pharmacies and communities that they are supposed to serve. Our challenge, and that of independent pharmacy as a whole, is to change that narrative.”
The EPIC Rx team is looking forward to facing the challenges of 2025 headfirst.
Brian states that the biggest opportunity will be payment reform. “We have been pushing for so long in so many states but to see federal reform pass during this congress would be truly special. We have never been so close! Whether that means the elimination of PBMs or just a significant shift in their payment practices, EPIC Rx is nimble and will be able to capitalize on industry changes as they happen while continuing to provide excellent support to our members.”
Our government affairs team continues to advocate for legislation that supports community pharmacies daily. With a friendly and inviting work environment, the team at EPIC Rx can focus on helping members thrive in 2025.
When asked how he, as the CEO, fosters a good culture with the EPIC Rx team, EPIC Rx members, and customers in his own independent pharmacy, Brian stated that the most important thing to be is genuine. “If you commit to do something, you need to give it your best effort, and I’d like to think I always do.”
Brian believes that honesty and hard work is always received well. “Our team and our members can tell the difference because they see that I am willing to roll up my sleeves and do the work to invest in their success.”
That said, there is so much opportunity for the new year. EPIC Rx is excited about our continued growth! We continue encouraging pharmacists to get involved and look forward to seeing more positive press supporting independent pharmacies and combating PBMs.
“Our transparency and hard work for EPIC Rx and EPN members is paying off, and it’s nice to see how that is beginning to manifest itself in all areas of our work. We certainly have a lot planned for 2025!”
Want to learn more about EPIC Rx’s advocacy efforts or how we can support your pharmacy? Contact us today!