An essential retail pharmacy is the only one within a set distance
What the document 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.”
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.”
In the country, no other pharmacy within ten miles. In the suburbs, none within two miles. In a city, none within one mile.
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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