Pharmacy advocates make their voices heard on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON — Pharmacy advocates from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., last week for the 2026 NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, an annual event that brings together pharmacy leaders, students, and industry stakeholders to engage with federal policymakers on issues affecting patient access to pharmacy care.

Over two days of programming, members of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) board of directors, member companies, and student pharmacists met with lawmakers and administration officials to highlight the crucial role pharmacies serve as front-line healthcare providers in communities nationwide.

During meetings with Congress and federal leaders, advocates emphasized three main policy priorities. Participants thanked lawmakers for what NACDS called a historic step toward pharmacy benefit manager reform, while also urging ongoing oversight and more legislation. They additionally pushed for the passage of the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (H.R. 3164/S. 2426) and highlighted the vital role of local pharmacies in new prescription drug distribution models, including TrumpRx and other initiatives.

The week started with NACDS board members engaging in a series of high-level meetings with policymakers and government officials, including U.S. senators, representatives from the Office of the Speaker of the House, and leaders at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Discussions centered on improving healthcare access and promoting pharmacy-related policy priorities.

Student pharmacists also played a key role in the event. On Tuesday afternoon, they gathered for the RxIMPACT “U” Academy, where participants received briefings on the current pharmacy policy landscape and prepared for advocacy meetings with lawmakers.

Outside the U.S. Capitol, students held signs thanking Congress for recent action on Medicare PBM reform while also urging lawmakers to continue efforts to address PBM practices and ensure patient access to pharmacy services.

During the RxIMPACT Welcome Dinner, attendees listened to NACDS president and CEO Steven C. Anderson and NACDS board chair Rick Gates, chief pharmacy officer at Walgreens, who discussed recent advocacy progress and emphasized the importance of continued engagement with policymakers. The association also awarded its Congressional Leadership Award to Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) in recognition of his support for policies affecting pharmacies and patient care.

The following morning, advocates gathered for a breakfast general session before heading to Capitol Hill, where 32 teams of NACDS participants met with congressional offices to share perspectives on pharmacy care and community health needs.

NACDS said the event reflects the growing importance of pharmacy advocacy as policymakers consider reforms affecting drug pricing, reimbursement and patient access to care.