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HPC maps pharmacy deserts: 940 retail pharmacies in 2025, about 580,000 people live in 'pharmacy deserts'
Summary
HPC researchers presented an interactive mapping tool showing a 17% decline in Massachusetts pharmacies since 2019 and estimated that about 580,000 residents (8.3%) live in areas the team classifies as pharmacy deserts; another ~525,000 are in 'near deserts' at risk if a single remaining store closes.
Assistant Director Yua Huang and senior manager Leen Marcelot of the Health Policy Commission presented an interactive data point showing where retail pharmacies are located and how closures have changed access across Massachusetts. The analysis used Department of Public Health license data and a block‑group, distance‑based method to identify areas with poor geographic access.
Leen Marcelot said the team identified 940 active retail pharmacies in 2025 and a roughly 17% decline in total pharmacies since 2019. "Using our block‑group analysis, about 580,000 people — roughly 8.3% of the Commonwealth's population — live in areas we classify as pharmacy deserts," Marcelot said, and another 525,000 people (about 7.5%) live in "near deserts" anchored by a single pharmacy.
The presenters described the methodology and its limits: the analysis uses census block groups, straight‑line distances (not road networks) and assumes even population distribution within block groups. They excluded compounding, specialty and provider‑only pharmacies that are not open to the general public, but included provider‑based pharmacies that serve the public. The presenters noted provider‑based pharmacies grew in number while many retail categories declined.
Commissioners asked about potential mitigations and next steps. Under Secretary Harding asked whether mail‑order services were captured; presenters said mail order is not a full substitute for brick‑and‑mortar pharmacies because pharmacies also provide vaccines, medication counseling and other walk‑in services. Commissioner Ericson and others suggested the commission compare Massachusetts regulation and innovations with other states (telepharmacy, kiosk models) and consider the role of PBM network adequacy and independent pharmacy supports. The presenters said the interactive tool and underlying data will be made public and that the team expects to extend the analysis (for example, to examine mail order usage and 340B providers).
The HPC framed the mapping exercise as a first step to inform policy discussion about access, equity and potential regulatory or programmatic responses.
