Action-driven framework, supported by NACDS, sets the stage for pharmacies as engines of disease prevention and whole-person health.
ARLINGTON, Va., July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With the nation's healthcare at a point of inflection, the Milken Institute today released a new report, "Advancing Health Through Expanded Access to Pharmacy-Based Care." This blueprint, supported by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), outlines a plan for pharmacies to serve as front-line partners in advancing health, prevention, and care. The report arrives as communities contend with a surge in chronic diseases and a troubling wave of pharmacy closures, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive action.
The report emphasizes using the accessibility of pharmacies — located within five miles of 90% of the population — to deliver a full spectrum of clinical services. The Milken Institute outlines a clear path to break down regulatory, reimbursement, and operational barriers, empowering pharmacies to respond to the call for accessible, affordable care as the U.S. faces a shrinking primary care workforce and rising healthcare costs.
"Pharmacies are the face of neighborhood healthcare, and this report provides a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure that Americans can access the care they need, when and where they need it," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. "By advancing payment models, standardizing credentialing, and leveraging technology, we can empower pharmacists to deliver the full spectrum of clinical services that communities demand."
The action plan spotlights 13 core pharmacy-based clinical service areas, with a focus on chronic disease prevention and management, as well as mental and sexual health. The report details how pharmacists are uniquely positioned to close care gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas, by providing screenings, medication management, immunizations, and holistic interventions that address both medical and social needs.
"Expanding access to pharmacy-based healthcare services is not just a policy imperative — it's a public health necessity," said Athena Rae Roesler, Director, Public Health at the Milken Institute. "Our research shows that sustainable reimbursement pathways, streamlined workflow operations, and policy transformation are essential to scaling these services and improving health outcomes nationwide."
The report also underscores the importance of partnership, advocating for meaningful collaboration among pharmacies, health plans, policymakers, and technology leaders to break down silos and create lasting change. It urges federal and state leaders to create the necessary pathways for payment for pharmacists' clinical services, and to align scope-of-practice laws and regulations so that patients can benefit fully from pharmacists' extensive education and training.
Looking forward, the report's recommendations align with the industry's momentum and the public's demand for care that is more accessible, preventive, and patient-centered. With nearly four pharmacies closing every day and millions losing access to essential healthcare services, the stakes could not be higher. The Milken Institute's blueprint provides a timely and actionable solution to reverse these trends and position pharmacies at the forefront of whole-person health.
"This is a mobilizing moment for pharmacy and public health," Anderson continued. "By implementing the Milken Institute's recommendations, we can ensure that pharmacies can remain open, serving as vital access points for care, improve health equity, and help Americans live longer, healthier lives."
Access the report here.
Media Contact
Emily Dowsett, National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), 703-837-4122, [email protected], nacds.org
SOURCE National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
Share this article