Expanding Pharmacy Access, Strengthening Independent Pharmacies

Pharmacy Access Shouldn’t Be a Barrier to Care.

Millions of Americans live in pharmacy deserts—areas where accessing essential medications isn’t guaranteed. Without a nearby pharmacy, people delay treatments, miss doses, or struggle with worsening health conditions.

At LucyRx, we believe pharmacy benefit managers should do more than process claims—they should ensure real access to care. That’s why we launched the Sustaining Pharmacy Access & Rural Care (SPARC) Program—a bold initiative to:

  • Increase per-prescription reimbursements to independent pharmacies in underserved areas..
  • Expand community-based healthcare services like vaccinations, medication therapy management, and health screenings
  • Advocate for legislative reforms that empower pharmacists to prescribe medications, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care.

SPARC is about keeping pharmacies strong, so communities stay healthy.

Here’s what clients are saying

Why It Matters.

Independent pharmacies are the backbone of community healthcare. They serve seniors, people with chronic conditions, and families who depend on trusted, local care. Yet, many of these pharmacies are at risk. Shrinking reimbursements and financial pressures are forcing them to close—leaving millions of Americans without easy access to essential medications.

Without action:
  • Patients in pharmacy deserts will struggle to get the care they need.
  • Employers will see rising healthcare costs due to worsening health outcomes.
  • Communities will lose trusted, local healthcare providers.
  • The SPARC Program is our commitment to fixing this problem—because access to care should never depend on where you live.
Who Benefits from SPARC?
  • Employees & Families – Reliable access to prescriptions and preventive care.
  • Independent Pharmacies – Financial support to stay open and continue serving their communities.
  • Employers & Health Plans – Stronger pharmacy networks, healthier employees, and lower long-term costs.

Here’s what clients are saying

Even if pharmacy deserts don’t affect your workforce today, they could in the future. A PBM that prioritizes access helps protect the health of employees, families, and communities for the long term.

FAQs

The Sustaining Pharmacy Access & Rural Care (SPARC) Program is a LucyRx initiative designed to support independent pharmacies in underserved areas by increasing per-prescription reimbursements, promoting community-based healthcare, and advocating for legislative reforms to strengthen pharmacy access.

Pharmacy closures are accelerating nationwide, affecting access to essential medications. Over 1,200 independent pharmacies closed between 2018 and 2023, and major chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid continue to shut locations.

For 15.8 million Americans living in pharmacy deserts, access to medications isn’t guaranteed. Without local options, people delay treatments, miss doses, or face worsening health conditions. SPARC is designed to sustain independent pharmacies, ensuring communities have reliable pharmacy access and preventive care services.

Independent pharmacies that serve designated pharmacy deserts, including both rural and urban areas with limited pharmacy access, may be eligible. Pharmacy deserts are generally defined as areas where the nearest pharmacy is 10 or more miles away.

Eligible pharmacies will receive higher per-prescription reimbursements to help sustain operations and ensure continued access to medications, vaccinations, medication therapy management, and health screenings.

SPARC is designed to support independent pharmacies by:

  • Providing increased reimbursement rates to help sustain operations.
  • Recognizing pharmacies as key healthcare hubs that offer critical patient services.
  • Ensuring long-term financial viability in communities that need them most.

If your pharmacy is in a designated pharmacy desert and serves LucyRx members, you will automatically receive higher reimbursements starting in 2026.

There is no action required and no cost to you.

Pharmacists are highly trained medical professionals who do more than dispense medications—they are essential to primary and preventive care, particularly in areas with physician shortages.

Through SPARC, LucyRx supports policy changes that expand pharmacists’ scope of practice, including:

  • Chronic condition management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
  • Prescribing authority (in certain states) for common conditions like flu, strep throat, and birth control.
  • Administering vaccines and preventive screenings to improve public health.

Pharmacy deserts affect workforce health and healthcare costs—employees who struggle to access medications are more likely to experience:

  • Delayed treatments and worsening health conditions.
  • Increased hospital visits and medical claims.
  • Higher long-term healthcare costs for employers and insurers.

By strengthening independent pharmacies, SPARC helps lower healthcare costs, improve medication adherence, and create better health outcomes for employees and their families.

For more information, please contact us at 877.846.3397 or info@lucyrx.com.

Learn More

Read the full press release See SPARC Overview

Have questions? Let’s talk: 877.846.3397 or info@lucyrx.com

LucyRx is a fast-scaling, independent, next-generation pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) redefining prescription care for plan sponsors and members nationwide.

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