One of the most discouraging developments in the pharmaceutical business is the struggle of rural, independent pharmacies to stay alive and profitable. 

State Senator Andy Manar says relief is on the way for those businesses and the people who depend on them as the Department of Healthcare and Family Services is now implementing the Critical Access Pharmacy Program, providing $10 million in additional funding to keep rural, independent pharmacies open....

Manar says throughout rural Illinois communities, consumers have experienced skyrocketing drug prices because of the poorly-regulated Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) industry. PBM operations craft special deals with large corporate chain stores that small, independent and locally-owned operations can’t compete with.