NACDS Urges Clarifications, Enhancements in Two Pharmacy Reimbursement Provisions in House Healthcare Reform Le...(slation establishing grants for communit...),Health

Date:7/20/2009

slation establishing grants for community health teams with MTM services and MTM services in the treatment of chronic disease. We appreciate the recognition of this important service in the legislation's medical home pilot project and urge inclusion of additional provisions to support MTM services.

Public Plan Provider Reimbursement: The legislation permits the Secretary of HHS to negotiate pharmacy reimbursement rates for prescription drugs in the public plan. We are concerned that this could result in insufficient national or regional pharmacy reimbursement rates. These insufficient rates might discourage participation by pharmacies, possibly compromising access to prescription drugs and pharmacy services.

We urge Congress to be mindful that there are two components of pharmacy reimbursement - product reimbursement as well as a dispensing fee - to cover the costs of dispensing a medication. A national study conducted by the accounting firm Grant Thornton found that the actual cost to dispense is approximately $10.50. In order to create a robust pharmacy network for public plan beneficiaries, fair and accurate pharmacy reimbursement for product cost as well as cost to dispense is critical.

Thank you again for your leadership at this historic time. We look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead to make necessary reforms to our nation's healthcare system.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE
President and Chief Executive Officer

CC: Members of the House Ways and Means Committee
Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee
Members of the House Education and Labor Committee

Contact: Chrissy Kopple
(703) 837-4266

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants with pharmacies. Its more than 160 chain member companies include regional chains with a minimum of four stores to
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