NACDS Urges Clarifications, Enhancements in Two Pharmacy Reimbursement Provisions in House Healthcare Reform Le...( Continues to...),Health

Continues to Support Goals of Healthcare Reform

Alexandria, VA (Vocus) July 20, 2009 -- Today, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE sent a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Henry Waxman (D-CA.), and Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor George Miller (D-CA.) on H.R. 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act.

In the letter, Anderson expressed NACDS' strong commitment to reforming healthcare in America, including reducing costs, improving quality care and increasing access to critical services. Also included were two NACDS concerns with the pharmacy reimbursement provisions - the definition of the average manufacturer price (AMP), and the 130 percent multiplier for dispensing drugs. NACDS believes that these two provisions, unless they are modified, could result in unsustainable pharmacy reimbursement in Medicaid, threatening patient access to affordable prescription medicines and essential pharmacy services.

In order to reduce costs, improve quality care and increase access, NACDS believes that Congress needs to address, refine, and correct these two provisions in order to ensure that America's community pharmacies are fairly and accurately reimbursed for the essential healthcare services they perform. As Congress debates the healthcare reform bill, NACDS will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to advocate for pro-patient and pro-pharmacy provisions.

The full text of the letter follows:

July 20, 2009

The Honorable Charles B. Rangel
Chairman
Committee on Ways and Means
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable Henry Waxman
Chairman
Committee on Energy and Com
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