Fighting for Pharmacy Freedom: HB1150 and the Battle Against Corporate PBMs

Host: Kandi Cox Guest: Blake Torres, Pharmacist & Arkansas Board of Health Member In this episode of Arkansas 1st Review, host Kandi Cox sits down with Blake Torres, pharmacist and co-owner of West Side Pharmacy, to discuss House Bill 1150 (HB1150) and its impact on local pharmacies and patient healthcare access in Arkansas. HB1150 is a legislative effort aimed at preventing large insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning and operating pharmacies—a practice that has driven local, independent pharmacies out of business, inflated drug prices, and limited patient choice. During the discussion, Blake Torres debunks the misinformation campaign being pushed by trillion-dollar corporate interests attempting to kill the bill. He explains: ✅ Why claims that HB1150 will harm 2.7 million Arkansans are false. ✅ How PBMs manipulate the system to force patients into mail-order pharmacies, stripping them of their right to choose. ✅ The real dangers of corporate-controlled pharmacy pricing and limited access to specialty medications. ✅ Why local pharmacies—not corporate mail-order giants—are the key to affordable, accessible healthcare. ✅ What Arkansans can do to fight back against corporate overreach and support HB1150. 🔥 This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about protecting small businesses, patient freedom, and fair competition in healthcare. 🎧 Tune in now and join the fight for pharmacy freedom in Arkansas! 🚀