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With dozens of independent and local pharmacies closing their doors, local lawmakers look for a solution
FORD CITY, Pa. (KDKA) - On Friday, state lawmakers and pharmacists alike gathered at an independent pharmacy in Ford City. The reason for the gathering was to emphasize the need for a solution for pharmacy benefit managers. This year alone in Pennsylvania 80 independent pharmacies have shut their doors and many blame it on pharmacy benefit managers. RELATED STORIES: Independent Pittsburgh-area pharmacists blame closures on middlemenGov. Josh Shapiro wants to help struggling independent pharmaciesIndependent Pennsylvania pharmacy closing 9 locationsThe pharmacies said they're filling prescriptions for customers but the benefit managers are only reimbursing them a fraction of the cost. "Patients deserve a system that keeps costs low and allows them to stay with the pharmacy they trust while paying that pharmacy fairly," said Pennsylvania State Representative Jessica Benham. "Our independent pharmacies stepped up big time during the pandemic, providing critical health care services and ensuring patients could still access their medications during an uncertain time. We should repay them by making the system fair, so they can continue to serve their communities." A bipartisan bill would direct the state to develop a process for hearing and resolving complaints against pharmacy benefit managers and limit or ban some of their practices.
Nationally known bluegrass artists to entertain in Harmony barn
HARMONY ― Nationally known recording artists Ron Thomason and the Dry Branch Fire Squad will perform their blend of humor and bluegrass music Friday inside the Historic Harmony Barn, 303 Mercer Road in Harmony. The concert lasts from 6-8 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bring your own single lawn chair and enjoy...
Junior co-host of 2023 Free Care Fund Telethon celebrates being cancer free
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Equal parts grit and grace.That's what 12-year-old Elizabeth Loughren of Oakmont exudes every day.We introduced you to her in December, as one of the junior co-hosts for last year's KDKA Free Care Fund Telethon for UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.When we first met Elizabeth, she was two years into treatments for leukemia.She'd gone through chemo, radiation and a bone marrow transplant.But her long and difficult journey finally came to an end on March 28th when Elizabeth got to ring the bell at UPMC Children's, signaling she's now officially cancer free."I think most importantly we were excited that...
Pittsburgh-area school district considering closing elementary school in need of costly renovations
LOWER BURRELL, Pa. (KDKA) — The future of Stewart Elementary School in the Burrell School District is murky. The district said it is considering closing the school, which needs costly improvementsStewart Elementary School was first built in 1931. According to school officials, while it's been a very effective place to educate young people, it's well past its prime.KDKA-TV spoke to Michael Sakaluk, a Lower Burrell native who talked about his experience with Stewart Elementary School. "We had three boys go through the system," he said. "Floors are buckling, the roof leaks, it's a lot of work and the boiler system is all...
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