Stressed small pharmacies are vanishing in Oregon
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Oregon residents have less access to retail pharmacies than any state except Alaska, according to a recent analysis by the Associated Press.
Why it matters: As more independent pharmacies close, patient advocates in the state worry people could stop taking their medicines if they are faced with dealing with mail orders or a long drive to a big box store.
Driving the news: Thirty-six pharmacies closed in the state last year, and several more have closed in 2024, reported OPB.
By the numbers: Oregon had 610 retail pharmacies statewide as of February.
- 70% of retail pharmacies in Oregon are owned by a chain, compared with 61% nationwide.
- According to AP, which analyzed licensing info from 44 states and data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs and the American Community Survey, there are 0.14 pharmacies per 1,000 people in the state.
Zoom in: The owners of Murray's Drug in Heppner in southern Morrow County said local customers rely on them for advice and convenience when they need their meds quicker than mail order can provide, OPB reported.
What they're saying: "It's very worrisome being second to last," Brian Mayo, the executive director of the Oregon State Pharmacy Association, told Axios.
Catch up quick: Chain pharmacies and their pharmacy benefit managers — which negotiate prices and decide what drugs are covered for millions of Americans — negotiate lower prices with drug companies, giving them an edge over independent pharmacies, per a 2023 audit by the Oregon Secretary of State.
- The independent pharmacies can't compete, Democratic state Rep. Rob Nosse told Axios.
- Nosse is part of a working group meeting this summer on pricing, PBM transparency and licensing enforcement.
- He said he intends to seek bipartisan support next year on a bill to ensure indie pharmacists are better reimbursed.
Yes, but: Chain pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are also closing stores across the country — over 7,000 since 2019, according to the University of Pittsburgh.
CVS Pharmacy is reducing its retail footprint by 300 stores a year over three years, spokesperson Amy Thibault told Axios.
- CVS has not closed any of the 25 CVS Pharmacy locations in Oregon, 10 of which are in Portland.