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Local pharmacies are feeling the pinch, independent shops say state law isn't working

Krdo · · 354 words · By Michael Logerwell
open_in_new Read the original article: https://krdo.com/news/2026/04/28/local-pharmacies-are-feeling-the-pinch-independ…

fact_checkFact-Check Results

5 claims extracted and verified against multiple sources including cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia.

info Single Source 3
check_circle Corroborated 2
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“The 'Preserving Access to Rural Independent Pharmacies' bill, HB25-122, promised to save small independent pharmacies.”
CORROBORATED
Two separate web search results confirm the existence of a bill titled 'Preserving Access to Rural Independent Pharmacies' (referenced as HB 25-122 or HB 25-1222) and its intent to preserve local pharmacies in rural and mountain communities.
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web search NEUTRAL — “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent.“Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law w…
https://www.senatedems.co/newsroom/joint-release-trio-of-bil…
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web search NEUTRAL — H.B. 25-1222 – Preserving Access to Rural Independent Pharmacies Prevents a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from prohibiting a rural independent pharmacy from using a private courier or a delivery serv…
https://www.lawweekcolorado.com/article/a-variety-of-new-law…
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web search NEUTRAL — If indeed independence is based on an individual's actions, then could we all — employed pharmacists, franchise owners, and independent owners — be classed a...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJHj1tYe0SI
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“HB25-122, signed into law on May 27, 2025, was designed to address issues with Pharmacy Benefit Managers, known as PBMs, reimbursing pharmacies below the cost of medications.”
SINGLE SOURCE
While evidence for claim 0 confirms the bill's existence, the provided evidence for claim 1 discusses PBM issues in Arkansas and Alabama, but does not specifically confirm the signing date of May 27, 2025, or the specific design of the Colorado bill regarding reimbursement below cost.
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web search NEUTRAL — © 2025 Google LLC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73PXZie4dE4
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web search NEUTRAL — One of the bills, SB 93, seeks to address the problem by prohibiting PBMs from reimbursing pharmacies at rates lower than their acquisition cost. It would also prevent PBMs from charging fees related …
https://www.greenvilleadvocate.com/2025/02/26/independent-ph…
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web search NEUTRAL — Impending federal reform might complicate efforts on the state legislative level to address PBMs as strongly as two proposals before the Alabama Senate currently intend.It would also allow pharmacists…
https://yellowhammernews.com/president-trump-signals-federal…
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“The law requires cost-based reimbursement, ensuring pharmacies are paid the cost of the medication plus a $14.14 dispensing fee.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The evidence mentions that 'several states' have enacted legislation requiring NADAC plus a dispensing fee, but it does not specifically confirm that HB25-122 mandates a $14.14 fee.
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web search NEUTRAL — Several states have enacted legislation requiring PBMs to reimburse pharmacies at NADAC plus a professional dispensing fee, typically tied to the state’s Medicaid dispensing fee rate.
https://www.frierlevitt.com/articles/2026-state-pbm-reform-n…
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web search NEUTRAL — Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs but it does not cover all medications equally, and some drugs may carry significant out-of-pocket expenses. Specialty drugs or newer biologic…
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gerardodeeguiluz_the-next-15-…
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web search NEUTRAL — Find your medications online. Browse medications alphabetically. Select your medications. See drug prices. Filter by condition.
https://www.costplusdrugs.com/medications/
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“This reimbursement model aligns with Colorado Medicaid standards.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided search results for Colorado PEAK and the Secretary of State do not contain information regarding the reimbursement model of HB25-122 or its alignment with Medicaid standards.
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web search NEUTRAL — Use PEAK to learn about, apply for or manage your health coverage, SNAP, cash or other state of Colorado benefits.
https://peak.my.site.com/peak/s/peak-landing-page?language=e…
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web search NEUTRAL — Colorado Secretary of State logo - cube with a C in it.
https://www.coloradosos.gov/
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web search NEUTRAL — Never miss a talk! SUBSCRIBE to the TEDx channel: http://bit.ly/1FAg8hBIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized eve...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8
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“Lucas Smith owns two pharmacies that qualify as both rural and independent: the Buena Vista Drug and Salida Pharmacy & Fountain.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent sources confirm Lucas Smith owns both Buena Vista Drug and Salida Pharmacy & Fountain, and describes them as small/independent pharmacies.
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web search NEUTRAL — The business was owned by 7 current pharmacy owners and they were creating a model where a new pharmacist could slowly take over a pharmacy and become the full owner. After 3 years I became the full o…
https://shoutoutcolorado.com/meet-lucas-smith-independent-ph…
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web search NEUTRAL — Salida Pharmacy & Fountain.We, Lucas and Jill Smith, are the owners of Buena Vista Drug and really enjoy owning a small business, connecting with the community, and helping people live healthier throu…
https://salidachamber.org/salida-pharmacy-fountain/
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web search NEUTRAL — For pharmacists like Lucas Smith Owner of Buena Vista Pharmacy & Salida Drug & Fountain, the law is a critical support. "Independent pharmacies are the backbone of rural healthcare," said Lucas.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/colorado-independent-pharmaci…
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.