The National Association of Chain Drug Stores found that almost 92 percent of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy, but that five miles can be too far for some residents to access. Nationally, about 100 million people could be without reasonable access to a pharmacy, according to Drug Topics.
Pharmacy deserts are more common in poorer and minority neighborhoods, in part because of a lack of insurance coverage and pharmacy reimbursement. Pharmacies in areas where many people use Medicare and Medicaid struggle to make enough money to stay open, according to Drug Topics.
Amazon’s PillPack, which delivers prescriptions to patients, would likely attract people living in pharmacy deserts, as it would give them easier access than commuting to the nearest pharmacy.
Read the full report here.
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