People often don't appreciate being told they can't pick up their meds at the corner drug store. But more insurance plans are pushing enrollees onto so-called narrow pharmacy networks, in which people are either incentivized or required to get their prescriptions through certain pharmacies.
Narrow networks have long been criticized by smaller pharmacies, who are often left out of the networks, as well as consumers and advocacy groups who say that such arrangements make it harder for people to get needed medication, particularly in rural parts of the country.
In contrast, big pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Walmart, RiteAid and Walgreens often benefit from the "preferred provider" status from insurance plans.
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