One-Third of U.S. Pharmacies Have Closed Since 2010, Worsening Healthcare Access

The closures have disproportionately affected Black, Latino, and low-income communities, creating pharmacy deserts across the nation.

Nearly one in three U.S. pharmacies shut down between 2010 and 2021, with closures accelerating after 2018.
Independent pharmacies were over twice as likely to close as chain pharmacies due to exclusion from preferred pharmacy networks and low reimbursement rates.
Closures have significantly impacted Black and Latino neighborhoods, with closure rates of 38% and 36%, respectively, compared to 28% in White neighborhoods.
Pharmacy deserts now affect approximately 92 million Americans, limiting access to essential healthcare services like vaccinations and prescription medications.
Experts suggest policy interventions, including higher Medicaid reimbursement rates and inclusion of independent pharmacies in benefit networks, to address the crisis.