‘Pharmacy deserts’ emerge as drugstore closures spread: 5 notes

Becker's Healthcare December 6, 2024
Alexandra Murphy

As major drugstore chains and independent pharmacies continue to shut down across the U.S., many communities are experiencing a rise in “pharmacy deserts,” where access to medications and healthcare services is limited, CBS News reported Dec. 6.

Here are five notes:

1. At least 7,000 pharmacies have closed since 2019, with roughly half of those being independent drugstores. This has led to the emergence of pharmacy deserts, particularly in rural areas, according to CBS News.
2. Marianne McElveen, owner of Kempson Rexall Drugstore in Inman, S.C., told the news outlet that reduced reimbursements and high medication costs have led to profit margins as low as 3% to 5%. Many independent pharmacies are unable to cover the cost of...

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