Rite Aid closings draw attention from Harrisburg, Giant Eagle

In the wake of Rite Aid store closings across Pennsylvania, there are two new developments regarding prescription medications — one by a major area supermarket chain, the other by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

The state Insurance Department is urging health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to take immediate steps to protect patients' access to prescription medication as many Pennsylvanians look for a new pharmacy.

"We are asking insurers and PBMs to do everything they can to ensure Pennsylvanians' prescription access is smoothly transitioned to other pharmacies," Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said recently. "If insurers, PBMs and pharmacies work together, we can make sure that Pennsylvania families can obtain the care and medications they need without having to deal with unnecessary red tape."

Meanwhile, Giant Eagle Inc. appears to be trying to do just that as the latest pharmacy chain to join the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs retailer network.

Pittsburgh native Cuban's company has a mission to offer safe medicines at the lowest possible price, by negotiating drug prices directly with manufacturers and providing patients with transparency on the costs that go into providing the medications.

"Our goal is to dramatically reduce the cost of drugs," Cuban said. "But we also think that it is just as important to introduce transparency to the pricing of drugs so patients know they are getting a fair price. Partnerships with retailers like Giant Eagle Pharmacy help us move our mission forward."

Giant Eagle Pharmacy customers who participate in the Cost Plus Drugs program can pick up qualifying prescriptions at one of more than 200 Giant Eagle Pharmacy locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana, including outlets in White Township, Northern Cambria, Leechburg (Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County), Johnstown, Ebensburg, Latrobe (Mountain Laurel Plaza), Ligonier, Greensburg (Hempfield Township), Lower Burrell, Export and Sarver.

Team Cuban Card pharmacy benefit card can be used there and at all other Cost Plus Drugs affiliate pharmacies, including Martin's in White Township, Ross Grant Avenue Pharmacy in Vandergrift, and Hayden's in Donegal.

"We pride ourselves on running a nationally recognized pharmacy and drugstore business where our licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are committed to delivering trusted, personalized care," Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman said. "Being part of the Cost Plus Drugs network ensures that our services are available to as many people across our communities as possible."

Those interested in learning more about Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and registering for a Team Cuban Card can visit: teamcubancard.com.

Meanwhile, Insurance Commissioner Humphreys said a notice published in the official Pennsylvania Bulletin is a reminder to insurers and PBMs that network adequacy rules are in place to protect consumers.

"These provisions are in place to ensure that covered individuals have adequate and available access to services, including through retail pharmacies," according to Notice 2025-07, dated Aug. 9. "The (Pennsylvania Insurance) Department expects that the PBM will make alternative arrangements with out-of-network pharmacies (with in-network cost-sharing) as needed to maintain prompt and convenient access for patients."

The department said any health insurer "unable to meet the Commonwealth's time or distance standards related to pharmacy access for patients affected by a Rite Aid closure should contact (the department) immediately."

Humphreys said questions regarding that notice may be directed to the Bureau of Health Coverage Access, Administration, and Appeals at RA-INHCA3@pa.gov or by calling either (717) 787-4192 or (888) 466-2787.