Major drugstore chains like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are closing hundreds of stores due to increased competition, lawsuits related to opioids, and other factors. Rural areas and low-income, Black, and Latinx neighborhoods face worsening disparities in healthcare access and outcomes as pharmacies close, reducing medication adherence and equipment availability. Factors like competition, changing behaviors, crime, staffing issues, low investment, and reduced pandemic product sales have decreased pharmacy profitability, prompting consolidation and insurance partnerships that disadvantage independent pharmacies. Meanwhile, pharmacy employees at major chains like CVS and Walgreens have protested against poor working conditions caused by understaffing. Changes to Medicare payments are expected to further reduce pharmacy payments, potentially leading to closures and limited access to healthcare.