McFall Joins Pharmacists for Independent Pharmacy Closure Crisis Roundtable
Event followed closure of six independent pharmacies across Michigan last month amid mounting financial pressure from PBM reimbursement practices
State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) speaks at the Metro Detroit Independent Pharmacy Closure Crisis Roundtable in Hazel Park.
HAZEL PARK, Mich., Oct. 14, 2026 — State Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) recently participated in the Metro Detroit Independent Pharmacy Closure Crisis Roundtable with Matt Marinco, RPh, owner of Marinco Pharmacy; Miguel Rodriguez, executive vice president and general counsel of American Pharmacies; Mike Nabolsi, RPh and pharmacist-in-charge of Warriors Pharmacy; John Gross, RPh, owner of six pharmacies and board member of American Pharmacies; state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn); and state Sens. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) and Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit).
This roundtable marked the fifth in a statewide series highlighting the growing challenges facing independent pharmacies and how closures are likely to continue without meaningful pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. McFall joined pharmacy owners, industry leaders and fellow lawmakers to discuss PBM reimbursement practices that make it increasingly difficult for pharmacies to remain financially viable.
“Independent pharmacies are facing unprecedented challenges, and when these pharmacies close, it affects the patients and communities that rely on them,” McFall said. “We need meaningful PBM reform to ensure Michigan residents can continue to access the medications and personalized care they depend on.”
As independent pharmacy closures rise, more communities are becoming “pharmacy deserts,” leaving residents with limited access to medications and essential pharmacist-provided care. In many high-poverty and rural areas, the loss of an independent pharmacy forces patients to travel farther for prescriptions or delay treatment, increasing the risk of missed doses, worsening health conditions, and higher healthcare costs.
“I’ll keep fighting in the House to make sure our independent pharmacies get the support they deserve,” McFall said. “As everyday costs continue to squeeze household budgets, backing the neighborhood businesses and local caregivers who look out for our families is more important than ever.”
###