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 fairer deal for both patients and independent pharmacies.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Key Topics:

1. Pass-Through vs. Traditional PBMs: Breaking down the fundamental differences and why the distinction matters for transparency.
2. How Traditional PBMs Game the System: A look at the tactics legacy PBMs use during the evaluation process to confuse employers and hide profit margins.
3. The Benefits for Employers: Why switching to a pass-through model can lead to significant savings and clearer data for plan sponsors.
4. The Cost-Plus Pharmacy Model: Explaining how this model works and its direct benefits for patient affordability and employer bottom lines.
5. The Role of Independent Pharmacies: How integrating independent pharmacies into benefit plans can simultaneously decrease employer spend and increase pharmacy reimbursement.
6. Market-Driven Reform: Why legislative action isn't enough—the market must actively demand better solutions to ensure PBM reform is effective.

Resources & Links

1. SmithRx: Visit Website
2. Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency (PUTT): TruthRx.org
3. Support the Show: Become a PUTTcast Sponsor

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 highlight how uniting independent pharmacies across states can strengthen their collective voice to push for enforceable PBM reform.

Special Guest: FairRx founder & Mississippi pharmacy owner, Fair Jones, PharmD

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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: the case for unionization in pharmacy. But it's not all serious business. Maurice Shaw (The Dr of Comedy) and Shane Jerominsky (The Accidental Pharmacist) bring their unique perspectives as pharmacists and comedians to point out the comedic moments found in everyday pharmacy life - reminding us that laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with the immense pressures of the pharmacy profession.

Special Guests: Maurice Shaw, PharmD, Shane Jerominsky, RPh, & Greg Reybold, APCI VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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, grassroots advocacy, and what independent pharmacy owners are facing on the front lines.

Special Guest: Greg Reybold, VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel, APCI

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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 within your community, listen in as they discuss how independent pharmacy owners can take charge of their advocacy efforts and make a lasting impact.

Special Guests: Nikki Bryant, PharmD - Georgia independent pharmacy owner & Pharmacy Advocate; Rosemary C Smith, RPh - co-founder Kentucky Independent Pharmacists Alliance

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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 means for the future of fair pharmacy practices and patient care.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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 special guests Senator David Koehler, Representative Natalie Manley, IPhA Executive Director Garth Reynolds, and IPhA President David Bagot, as they explore the impacts of this victory and what it signals in the fight for healthcare justice.

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

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 transforming the world of PBM reform and the transparency needed to make it happen.

This episode is a wake-up call for employers and policymakers alike.

Join PUTTcast host Lauren Young, co-host Chris Hobart, PharmD, and special guest Chris Deacon, JD, as they bring unparalleled insights into how regulatory enforcement, employer education, and data transparency are key battlegrounds in the critical fight for accountability.

Episode Guest: Chris Deacon, JD, owner, VerSan Consulting, former NJ Deputy Attorney General, and past Director, NJ state health plan

Music by cat_herding_diva | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard