AUGUSTA — Reynolds Pharmacy is a locally owned hometown pharmacy that has been run by Chris and Jennifer Barker since 1999. The Augusta pharmacy has been a pillar to the small community providing not only necessary medications but vaccinations, decor, and essential home items.

This week the Barkers released a statement notifying the public of the closure of the Reynolds Pharmacy which will be effective on May 31.

Barker said in his statement, “You all are like family, and we will deeply miss each of you.” Barker goes on to say that the couple have discussed closing their doors every year since 2017 but the thought of leaving the community was too much to bear.

Barker said that the Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are the catalyst behind the pharmacies closure and that in the year 2016 the reimbursements the Barkers received for the drugs purchased in the pharmacy started to decrease which created major financial issues. Barker likened the PBMs to the middle man between the pharmacies and the med distributors.

“The decreased reimbursements, along with the PBM DIR Claw Back scheme, made a tough situation impossible. The DIR Claw Back scheme involves an arbitrary system of paying pharmacies less than what the insurance companies say they will pay at the point of sale by taking money out of future checks,” explained Barker.

Barker said that PBMs have found a loop hole which enables them to charge a fee to the pharmacy. Barker continued by saying that the fees keep going up even though the pharmacies purchases and expenses are not.

“PBMs are still taking money back from us from the last quarter of 2023. We are one of many independent pharmacies that are being forced out of business by the current PBM abuses. We have tried every way possible to cut expenses and remain a part of this community. We have operated at a loss since 2017. We can no longer sustain the losses. We have attempted to sell the business so that Augusta will still have an in-town pharmacy with no success,” said Barker.

Barker went on to explain that there is an unfair competition between PBMs and providers which try to convince patients to use mail order pharmacies or switch pharmacies all together. Barker alleges that locally US Bank and Berry Global employees are required to use mail order pharmacies which in turn hurts small independent pharmacies.

“It’s heart breaking for me because I truly care about the people up here,” said Barker.

The Barkers announced to their customers that all prescription records will be located at Mason Family Drug in Maysville. Once Reynolds Pharmacy is closed, all phone calls will be routed to Mason Family Drug.

“We encourage you to support this local independent pharmacy. We know them personally and know they will take very good care of each of you. They offer many services that our store and staff were too small to provide. You will come to love these great folks,” concluded the statement made by the Barkers.

Dr. Michael and Elizabeth Berry, owners of Mason Family Drug have served the community for over 12 years. In a written statement the pair said that they are “deeply saddened by the news that our fellow community pharmacy, Reynolds Pharmacy, will be closing at the end of May. We know firsthand the commitment that Chris and Jennifer Barker have shown over the last 25 years, serving their customers and patients with the upmost professionalism, compassion and customer care.”

The Berry’s go on to say that they are honored that the Barker’s have asked their pharmacy to help to “continue the commitment they they have made to care for their valued customers.”

Mason Family Drug offers a variety of services which include the following: no-appointment needed vaccinations, counseling, medication therapy management programs, 24-hour contact help if needed, drive-thru convenience, free local delivery, competitive cash pricing and easy prescription transfers.

Mason Family Drug also boasts that their medication synchronization and compliance packaging programs help with convenience and medication adherence for patients.

Mason Family Drug is considering once or twice weekly delivering to Augusta because of this new development.

Mason Family Drug can be reached at (606) 759-0700 or masonfamilydrug@gmail.com