JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Pennsylvania patients who have lost access to local pharmacy care because of pharmacy benefit manager network decisions now have a new place to make their voices heard.
Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency, known as PUTT, has launched PAMyPharmacyMyChoice.org, an advocacy website created to help patients contact state officials, submit concerns to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and share personal stories about how PBM-driven network changes have affected their access to care.
The launch comes as May 25 marks one year since Martella’s Pharmacies received notice of its pending termination from the Express Scripts pharmacy network serving UPMC and Highmark managed care plans. For related planning context, see these reimbursement guides. Related reading: PBM investigations.
“Pennsylvania Medicaid and managed care members can choose their health plan, but they have no say in which PBM controls their pharmacy network,” said Monique Whitney, PUTT Executive Director. “When the PBM dictates where and how patients can receive their prescriptions, the result is almost always the same: PBMs steer patients to the pharmacies owned or affiliated with the PBM. Local small business pharmacies who are fully licensed and in good standing lose the patients they’ve built trusted relationships with. No family should be forced away from their local pharmacist because of a PBM decision they had no part in.”
The new site gives Pennsylvanians tools to:
- Contact state legislators and Governor Josh Shapiro
- Submit concerns to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
- Share personal stories about how PBM network changes have affected them
The campaign also highlights concerns about patient steering, reduced access in rural communities, and the erosion of community-based pharmacy care across Pennsylvania.
Martella’s Pharmacies has served southwestern Pennsylvania for more than 60 years. While the campaign is rooted in the experience of Martella’s patients, PUTT says the site was designed to amplify the voices of independent pharmacy patients across the state.
Community members are encouraged to visit PAMyPharmacyMyChoice.org, share their story, and make their voices heard.
About Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency
Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency is a nonprofit advocacy organization founded by independent pharmacists and pharmacy owners. The organization focuses on exposing anticompetitive pharmacy benefit manager practices and educating patients, lawmakers, health plan sponsors, and the public about the impact of PBMs on pharmacy access and prescription drug costs. More information is available at TruthRx.org.
Source note: This article is based on a press release provided by Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency.
For a broader view of claims pressure, payer strategy, and audit readiness, see these reimbursement guides for independent pharmacy teams.
