HARRISBURG — Amid hundreds of pharmacy closures across Pennsylvania, independent and chain outlets alike, pharmacists pleaded to a state Senate panel for changes to address prescription reimbursements they say are far lower than the cost to stock and dispense medications to customers.

There are about 2,840 pharmacies operating in Pennsylvania, according to the Department of State. The department’s data shows that 843 pharmacies closed in Pennsylvania since 2020 including hundreds of Rite Aid stores as the chain entered bankruptcy this year. In that same time frame, 373 licenses were issued for new pharmacies to open, a net loss of 470.

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