Turning Pharmacy Expenses Into Purpose: How Semmes Pharmacy Uses 2.25% Cash Back to Support Its Patients and Team

Before the Card

Unrewarded Spending in a Challenging Landscape

Semmes Pharmacy, located just outside Mobile, Alabama, is rooted in a commitment to treating every patient like family. Led by Dr. Jessica Hung, PharmD, and her business partners, Alan and Lancer, the team has worked tirelessly to navigate the difficult economic realities facing independent pharmacies — including rising costs and shrinking reimbursements.

“Turning patients away has never been an option,” Dr. Hung says. “We’re here to serve our community, even when it means absorbing losses on certain prescriptions.”

Like many pharmacy owners, the Semmes team was feeling the pressure of tight margins — whether from inventory, staffing, or technology upgrades. They were covering these essential expenses directly from their business account, leaving valuable cash back rewards on the table.

The Turning Point

Real Rewards That Align With Their Mission

When Dr. Hung first heard about the NCPA Business Mastercard and its 2.25% unlimited cash back offer, she was skeptical. “It sounded too good to be true,” she admits. But after reviewing the details and running the numbers, the team quickly realized the program was not only legitimate — it was a game-changer.

They trusted NCPA’s track record of supporting independent pharmacies and saw the card as a natural extension of that mission. Once onboarded, they began shifting the bulk of their pharmacy expenses to the card.

The Results

Over $12,000 in Cash Back (and Counting)

Since adopting the NCPA Business Mastercard, Semmes Pharmacy has earned more than $12,000 in cash back — rewards they’ve used to reinvest in the business and recognize their team.

The cash back has helped cover everything from equipment upgrades to staff appreciation events. “It’s allowed us to give back to the team and improve operations, without having to cut from other parts of our budget,” says Dr. Hung.

In high-volume months, like during flu season, the extra cash has provided much-needed breathing room. And in weeks where reimbursement falls short — a common challenge — the rewards serve as a buffer. “It’s not a fix for the reimbursement crisis,” Dr. Hung notes, “but it’s one more tool that helps us keep doing what’s right for our patients.”

Advice to Other Pharmacy Owners

Dr. Hung’s message to other independent pharmacy owners is clear: “If you’re not earning cash back on your operating expenses, you’re leaving money on the table.”

With the NCPA Business Mastercard offering 2.25% back on nearly every purchase, she sees every reward dollar as a chance to serve patients better and strengthen the team behind the counter.

“It’s helped us turn unavoidable expenses into meaningful wins.”