Across the United States, the closure of both independent and large chain pharmacies has left nearly 15.8 million Americans in so-called "pharmacy deserts."
The decline in readily accessible pharmacies is now recognized by health experts as a pressing public health crisis, The US Sun reported.
The phenomenon, highlighted by health policy expert Kavelle Christie, emphasizes the severe impact on those with chronic illnesses who rely heavily on consistent access to medication.
Since 2011, over 26,000 pharmacy closures have reduced the total U.S. pharmacy count by 29%. Various factors drive these significant reductions, including shifts in consumer behavior and population demographics, intense marketplace competition, and critical pressures from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
PBMs have been particularly influential by reimbursing pharmacies at rates below the actual cost of medications. This practice has forced many pharmacies to operate at a financial loss, ultimately leading to their closure.
Christie has articulated the daunting consequence of these closures, stating, "When pharmacies disappear, people don’t just lose a place to fill prescriptions. They lose access to lifesaving medications and essential healthcare services," marking a dire situation for public health.
The definition of a pharmacy desert is primarily characterized by the absence of a pharmacy within accessible range for residents, particularly problematic in rural and underserved areas.
As Kavelle Christie notes, "The impact is devastating, especially for people managing chronic conditions, pregnant individuals, and those relying on regular prescriptions for their health." These closures have differentially severe effects in southern states such as Mississippi and Louisiana, where fewer alternatives to local pharmacies exist.
This reduction in pharmacy availability increases hospitalization rates for preventable conditions, worsens maternal health outcomes, and results in more frequent emergency room visits.
In response to the changing landscape, major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens have been adjusting their strategies. CVS has closed 900 stores in the last three years and announced plans to close an additional 270 stores this year.
Similarly, Walgreens has reduced its store count by over 1,000 in the past six years and plans to close about 1,300 more stores in the upcoming three years. Both companies cite a strategic shift towards enhancing health service offerings as a reason for these closures, not just industry pressures.
In their statement, CVS mentioned, "We’re closing locations strategically to better meet consumers’ health, wellness, and pharmacy care needs — as announced more than three years ago."
Certain states have taken legislative steps to combat the rise of pharmacy deserts. California and New York, for example, have enacted policies aimed at ensuring fair reimbursement rates from PBMs and increasing transparency around PBM pricing.
These measures have begun to slow the rate of pharmacy closures in these states, showing a potential path forward for policy intervention in preventing pharmacy deserts.
However, the overall trend continues, and the urgent need for more widespread reforms remains clear as highlighted by experts, policymakers, and affected communities alike.
