Local Pharmacies Affected By COVID-19 Are Eligible For SBA Economic Disaster AssistanceThe U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster assistance loans for pharmacies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These small business loans are considered Economic Injury Loans, and up to $2 million may be borrowed per loan.
Pharmacies are required to first register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) before applying for a disaster assistance loan. FEMA Registration can be completed online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via the FEMA smartphone app (https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app). Pharmacies will also need to complete an IRS form 4506-T in order to apply. For a full listing of guidelines check out the SBA 3-step process document, or visit their website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/ApplyOnline. You can also go to https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information for more information. PUTT Congratulates Virginia State Legislature For Passing Sweeping Anti-PBM Abuse LegislationMarch 16, 2020
Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency (PUTT) congratulates the Virginia state legislature for its recent passage of HB 1290, a comprehensive bill that prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from engaging in common anti-competitive practices responsible for driving hundreds of small business pharmacies out of business. “We are beyond thrilled at the support this legislation received from both houses and Governor Northam,” said Scott Newman, PUTT president and an independent pharmacy owner in Chesapeake, VA. “A year ago this kind of legislation seemed all but impossible. But thanks to the hard work by Virginia Pharmacists Association Executive Director Christina Barrille, VPhA lobbyist Howard Estes and the pharmacy owners and staff who advocated their hearts out, the bill passed as written. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment.” Read More |
PUTT Downloadable Graphic
Independent Pharmacies Should Be On Front Lines For COVID-19 Screening AccessThe Hill
March 23, 2020 .. Providing COVID-19 screening access to the American people across all geographic and socioeconomic areas is critical, particularly given our collective and shared knowledge that exposure to COVID-19, like the flu, does not discriminate. Hospitals and urgent care clinics are apparent sites for screening... What has not been mentioned and exists in plain sight is the expanded public health role for pharmacies, which includes independent small business and minority-owned pharmacies. Many of us are familiar with pharmacies extending their practice beyond filling prescriptions to include blood pressure screening, flu vaccinations, and even co-located primary care clinicians... At a time when the administration is taking unprecedented actions to remove bureaucratic barriers and support small businesses in general, legislation should prioritize economic support for independently-owned pharmacies to purchase pharmaceuticals and supplies related to administering COVID-19 screening services. The White House should also prioritize policy that gives small pharmacy business owners access to high-cost medications that are exclusive to large corporate conglomerates. Read the Full Article |
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