(Feb. 5, 2025) – Today, the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, chaired by Senator Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), heard from Sloane Freeman, an independent pharmacy owner in South Central Kansas. Freeman discussed the pharmacists' roles in overall patient care and the connection of the local pharmacy to community support.

Tessa Schnelle, a hospital pharmacist who serves both a health system and a rural hospital, gave an overview of how the pharmacy industry has evolved over the last decade. She reported that 52 pharmacies have had to close and Kansas pharmacies are at higher risk than other states nationally. She highlighted pharmacy deserts and their connection to other health care shortage areas.

The committee asked what could be done to entice pharmacists in rural Kansas.

The committee also worked Senate Bill 23, which requires agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the insurance commissioner within 14 calendar days and authorizes certain rebate pilot programs to exceed one year in duration.