Problem:

America is being encouraged, and in many cases, forced to abandon their local community pharmacies in favor of mandatory mail-order programs.  Lobbying efforts by the industry have been largely ineffective and the migration to mail-order is occurring faster than ever before which threatens the long-term viability of many independent pharmacies. Consumers are being told: “money grubbing community pharmacies are overcharging.”  Little does the typical American know that this argument is a classic ruse, a method to distract them so that they don’t feel the slick fingered PBMs picking their pockets clean.

We’re Off Target By 225 Miles!
(No wonder we’re getting our butts kicked)

One explanation perhaps for our current predicament is that we have been fighting Goliath (the PBMs) in a town where Goliath is too formidable. They are wealthier, politically more influential and less restricted by laws, regulations and statutes than we are. We obviously have not fared particularly well in Washington, D.C. and perhaps a change of venue at this eleventh hour against a less formidable opponent might provide pharmacy with a significantly greater likelihood of success. My contention is that this battle should not be waged politically in Washington but rather financially on Wall Street and not directly against the PBMs themselves.