An essential retail pharmacy is the only one within a set distance
Making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, section 6223, Sec. 6223.
Written by .
An essential retail pharmacy is the only one within a set distance
“``(i) a rural area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 10 miles, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) a suburban area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 2 miles, as determined by the Secretary; or
``(iii) an urban area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 1 mile, as determined by the Secretary.”
The new subsection defines essential retail pharmacy as a retail pharmacy that is not an affiliate as defined in paragraph (4) and that stands alone within 10 miles in a rural area, 2 miles in a suburban area, or 1 mile in an urban area, as the Secretary determines. Affiliate and pharmacy benefit manager take their meaning from section 1860D-12(h)(7).
What the document actually says
“``(i) a rural area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 10 miles, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) a suburban area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 2 miles, as determined by the Secretary; or
``(iii) an urban area in which there is no other retail pharmacy within 1 mile, as determined by the Secretary.”
That sentence, in plain words
In the country, no other pharmacy within ten miles. In the suburbs, none within two miles. In a city, none within one mile.
What this is about
These are the pharmacies with no near rival. If one closes, its customers must travel. The pharmacy must also not be tied to a plan.
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Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, Public Law 119-75, sec. 6223, 140 Stat. 664 (2026). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-119publ75/html/PLAW-119publ75.htm
This page
“An essential retail pharmacy is the only one within a set distance,” Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, section 6223, Sec. 6223. Read the Mandate, https://readthemandate.org/consolidated-appropriations-act-2026/proposal/sec6223-essential-retail-defined/ (retrieved October 10, 2026).
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