08/30/2026
This is very unfortunate news for the Hancock, New York community. Unfortunately even the mega chain pharmacies cannot find ways to survive in the industry where PBMs have continued to make BILLIONS of profits each quarter. Through Pharmacists Society of the State of New York - PSSNY pharmacists in NY have been fighting for legislation to stop these closures for years, however, our government has been far too slow to act. Governor Kathy Hochul has legislation on her desk right now that she's refusing to sign that would force PBMs to fairly reimburse pharmacies. This may have been just enough to keep this location open had she signed it months ago when it PASSED almost unanimously. The reality is it is very rare for a pharmacy to return to a community once it leaves.
In the meantime our pharmacy is about 10-15 minutes away and available to fill prescriptions for any patients losing access to their pharmacy. Simply ask your doctor to send us new prescriptions. If you have refills remaining and need something more urgently call us and we'll handle the transfer for you. 607-467-2298. Currently we are open Monday through Friday 9-5 and Saturdays 9-1.
Walgreens to Close in Hancock on October 13
By Kristin Barron
Walgreens store and pharmacy in Hancock will close on October 13, 2026 according to an official statement emailed to the Herald by the Walgreens Communications Team.
Customers may continue to fill prescriptions at the location until the closing date, according to the statement, but after October 13, prescriptions will be automatically transferred to the Walgreens at 1934 State Route 52 in Liberty to ensure uninterrupted service.
“Patients who have relied on this location will also be eligible for free prescription delivery for 90 days following the store’s closure,” according to the statement which went on to say, “We recognize this change may be disruptive for residents who rely on this pharmacy, particularly for essential medications. Decisions to close a store are never made lightly, and we are committed to making the transition as seamless as possible. Additional assistance is available at walgreens.com/storelocator or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.”
Staff at the store will be given opportunities to continue employment at other Walgreens locations, says the statement.
Local store representatives were unavailable for comment.
Plans for the store building in Hancock are unknown at this time.
The Hancock Walgreens opened in 2018, following a nationwide Walgreens acquisition and rebranding of Rite-Aid stores that took place throughout that year.
Walgreens was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners for about $10 billion in 2025 and operates as a private company. Sycamore Partners broke up the former corporate Walgreens Boots Alliance into five separate companies.
According to USA Today, Walgeens’ store count has dropped 500 locations since its acquisition by Sycamore, decreasing to around 8,000 stores nationwide.
