The PUTTcast

Independent pharmacies face immense pressure from Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), often confronting the impossible choice of losing money on a prescription or turning a patient away. In this episode of The PUTTcast, host Lauren Young sits down with Kris Rhea from Pharmacy Marketplace to discuss a game-changing solution to this "pharmacy spiral." They dive deep into the world of MAC appeals and underwater claims, revealing how new...

Passing legislation to regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) is a monumental achievement, but it’s only half the battle. The real challenge—and the key to meaningful change—lies in strict, consistent enforcement. In this critical episode of PUTTcast, co-hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney sit down with a powerhouse panel of legal and pharmacy industry experts to dissect the current state of PBM law enforcem...

Join hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney as they sit down with Alan Pannier, Chief Strategy Officer at SmithRx, to peel back the layers of the PBM industry. Their discussion explores the critical differences between traditional and pass-through PBM models and how the current system often obscures true costs from employers; shedding light on how innovative models like cost-plus pricing are reshaping the landscape, offering a fair...

In this episode of The PUTTcast, hosts Lauren Young and Monique Whitney are joined by special guest and pharmacy owner, Fair Jones, to explore key advocacy strategies for independent pharmacies striving for impactful PBM reform. They discuss how to effectively educate state and federal lawmakers, the critical role of follow-up communication, and the power of involving pharmacy patients in the process. Most importantly, they highlig...

Welcome back to part two of our special live crossover episode with PBM on the Rocks and The PUTTcast! 

In this conclusion to our live Summit day recording, we dive deeper into the critical issues facing the pharmacy industry today. The discussion picks back up on the front lines of PBM reform, exploring reform’s real-world impact on patients and independent pharmacies, then shifts to a powerful and often-debated topic: t...

Join co-hosts Jeremy Counts and Lauren Young as The PUTTcast teams up with the PBM on the Rocks Cocktail Crew for Part 1 of our special live crossover episode!

We're breaking down the biggest moments from the 2025 PUTT Virtual Summit, and diving deep into the ever-changing world of PBM reform. This powerhouse discussion features an incredible lineup of guests who share their unique perspectives on the latest legislative battles, gr...

In this month’s special episode of The PUTTcast, we’re gearing up for the highly anticipated PUTT Virtual Summit! Join host Lauren Young, PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney, and special guest advocates Nikki Bryant and Rosemary C Smith as they explore the critical strategies independent pharmacies can use to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change. From building political connections to fostering trust wit...

In this episode of The PUTTcast, discover how Louisiana legislators and healthcare advocates triumphed over corporate opposition to enact groundbreaking PBM reform with HB 264. Join host Lauren Young as she welcomes Louisiana State Representative Michael Echols and Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association Director of Government Affairs Matthew Cross to discuss the collaborative fight that made this victory possible, and what it...

Illinois has scored a monumental win for patients and pharmacies with the passage of HB 1697. This episode dives into the legislation’s groundbreaking PBM reform and unravels how, through bipartisan effort, it amplifies transparency, protects patients and pharmacies by securing fairer practices, and puts the needs of Illinois communities first. 

Join PUTTcast host Lauren Young and PUTT President Deborah Keaveny, with spec...

Fiduciary responsibility in the healthcare industry is a pressing issue, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are under increasing scrutiny. In this episode of The PUTTcast, we discuss how PBMs and their big insurance counterparts are using ERISA as a shield to avoid fiduciary accountability to employers. From the groundbreaking Rutledge SCOTUS decision to whistleblower revelations, we examine how the "fiduciary" concept is transfo...

Breaking Down the Current Politics of Federal Prescription Drug Reform

Tired of legalese and political jargon surrounding federal prescription drug reform? This episode dives deep into President Trump’s recent healthcare reform Executive Order and what it really means for patients and their pharmacies. We’ll untangle topics like:

• The truth behind IRA drug price negotiations and how they could impact pharmacies and ult...

How Independent Pharmacies Can Amplify Their Voice

At its core, PBM reform is not just a critical pharmacy issue - it’s a patient care issue. Join us for this insightful episode as we explore how independent pharmacies can use psychology, AI, and community-building strategies to craft testimony, fight misleading PBM narratives, and create a united voice for reform. 

Special Guest: Ken Patel, RPh, co-founder Arizona Indepen...

Arkansas is fighting back against the abusive, anticompetitive practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This episode dives into the systemic lawbreaking by PBMs and their exploitation of current laws - which comes at the expense of taxpayers, pharmacies, and Arkansas communities. This isn’t just about corporate greed—it’s about the lives of Arkansas families, patients, and healthcare providers. HB 1150 repre...

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have long held disproportionate control over pharmacy reimbursement systems. But is change finally on the horizon? 

In this episode, we sit down with Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger to dissect the pressing issues surrounding PBM practices and discuss why now is the time to act. From federal legislation already in the works to the decisive importance of the first 100 days of 2025, Congresswoman H...

Don’t miss this insightful episode on why H.R. 9096 (The Pharmacists FIght Back Act) is essential for all communities. On the heels of last week’s successful press conference, PUTTcast host Lauren Young continues the conversation on why this legislation is a game-changer for pharmacies, small businesses, and patients, and provides practical advice on advocacy techniques that can help tip the balance in favor of this cru...

Welcome to our new short-form version of The PUTTcast!

In our first episode, host Lauren Young dives into the intricacies of House Bill 9096, also known as the Pharmacists Fight Back Act. Joining her are distinguished guests—Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Greg Reybold, Vice President of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel at the American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. (APCI), and Monique Whitney, PUTT Executive Director...