Pharmacy closures are creating dangerous 'pharmacy deserts' in low-income and rural areas, leaving residents without essential medications. A revealing New York Times investigation uncovers the middlemen fueling this crisis. Meanwhile, the American Dream is being redefined, with rising housing costs pushing people toward townhouses. The conversation also explores a shift in family dynamics, highlighting more stay-at-home fathers and the challenges working women face in achieving balance between career and family life.
The closure of local pharmacies, driven by unfavorable reimbursement practices from pharmacy benefit managers, severely limits healthcare access in rural and low-income communities.
Increasing numbers of men becoming stay-at-home parents reflect a significant cultural shift in gender roles and family dynamics as women's workforce participation expands.
Deep dives
Housing Affordability Challenges in Swing States
Housing affordability has become a pressing issue, particularly in swing states where home prices have surged dramatically. Since 2019, national home prices have increased by nearly 48%, with over 80% of voters in states like Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina living in areas that have seen even higher price spikes. This rise is compounded by economic challenges, such as stagnant wage growth and lower labor force participation rates in these regions, making homeownership increasingly elusive. Political candidates are proposing various solutions, with Vice President Harris advocating for tax credits and funding for affordable housing, while former President Trump emphasizes reducing regulations, though his approach faces criticism for potentially harming construction labor availability due to immigration policies.
Impact of Pharmacy Benefit Managers on Local Pharmacies
The closure of local pharmacies has been significantly influenced by the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who negotiate prices between healthcare plans and pharmacies. Reports indicate that independent pharmacies often receive lower reimbursements for medications compared to larger chains owned by these PBMs, leading to a troubling trend where rural and low-income areas face a shortage of accessible healthcare services. The diminishing presence of local pharmacists removes a vital source of medical advice and personal health care, as many patients rely on them for guidance and understanding of their prescriptions. This shift not only affects medication access but also highlights the broader implications for community health as local businesses struggle to survive.
Shifting Gender Roles Among Stay-at-Home Parents
Recent trends reveal increasing numbers of men opting to become stay-at-home parents, reflecting a significant cultural shift as women's roles in the workforce expand. According to research, 45% of U.S. marriages now feature wives earning as much or more than their husbands, a statistic that has tripled over the past half-century. This development showcases how dual-income families increasingly rely on trade-offs within the household to manage responsibilities, as many women pursue demanding careers that require substantial support at home. The implications of this shift extend beyond household dynamics, affecting societal perceptions of gender roles and the support systems needed for working families to thrive.
Across the country, pharmacies big and small are closing. The closures have disproportionately affected rural and low-income communities, leaving residents with limited access to prescription drugs and creating so-called “pharmacy deserts.” We’ll discuss a New York Times investigation about the middlemen driving pharmacies out of business. Plus, should the American Dream be a townhouse? And, introducing the real “househusbands” of Wall Street.
Join Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams for a live taping of “Make Me Smart” on Oct. 25 in Boston. In-person tickets are sold out, but you can still join us virtually. Get your tickets here.
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