Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Protect Local Pharmacies

State Rep. Frank Burns aims to curb influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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State Representative Frank Burns of Cambria County, Pennsylvania is introducing new legislation to limit the power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) after a dispute between local pharmacy Martella's Pharmacy and PBM giant Express Scripts. Burns says PBMs are 'greedy' and won't be satisfied until they've driven independent pharmacies out of business.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is the latest development in an ongoing battle between independent pharmacies and the growing influence of PBMs, which have been accused of unfair practices that threaten the viability of local pharmacies. The outcome could have significant implications for patient access to essential medications in many communities.

The details

The new legislation follows a recent meeting between Burns and the owners of Martella's Pharmacy in Johnstown, which remains locked in a dispute with Express Scripts after the PBM dropped the local pharmacy from its network last year. This forced local residents to find new providers for their prescriptions. Burns says elected officials 'cannot sit back and allow this to happen' as PBMs seek to 'secure a complete monopoly'.

  • On February 18, 2026, State Rep. Frank Burns announced plans to introduce new legislation.

The players

Frank Burns

A state representative from Cambria County, Pennsylvania who is introducing new legislation to limit the influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

Martella's Pharmacy

An independent pharmacy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that is locked in a dispute with the PBM Express Scripts after being dropped from the company's network.

Express Scripts

A major pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that dropped Martella's Pharmacy from its network, forcing local residents to find new providers for their prescriptions.

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What they’re saying

“PBMs won't be satisfied until they have secured a complete monopoly and driven independent pharmacies out of business.”

— Frank Burns, State Representative (lightnercommunications.com)

What’s next

The proposed legislation will be introduced in the Pennsylvania state legislature in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the growing power of PBMs and the challenges facing independent pharmacies, raising concerns about patient access to essential medications in local communities. The proposed legislation aims to curb PBM influence and protect the viability of small, community-based pharmacies.