PCMA 2008 Agenda: Support E-Prescribing, Biogenerics; Oppose Bills that Incr...(billing intermediaries between payors an...),Health

-- Sweeping Antitrust Exemptions for Independent Pharmacies. PCMA will also continue to combat legislation that would grant independent pharmacies exemptions from antitrust laws, allowing them the right to collude and raise prescription drug prices. The pharmacy antitrust exemptions in HR 971 would increase prescription drug costs for Medicare and commercial payors by up to 11.8 percent or $29.6 billion over five years, according to an analysis from CRA International.

Electronic Prescribing (E-Prescribing) in Medicare. In 2008, PCMA will continue its campaign to ensure full adoption of e-prescribing in Medicare. PCMA supports the bipartisan "Medicare Electronic Medication and Safety Protection (E-MEDS) Act of 2007" introduced in December by Senate Finance Committee Members John Kerry (D-Mass.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Allyson Schwartz (D-Penn.) and Jon Porter (R-Nev.). This legislation would save lives and money and enjoys support from a broad coalition of consumers, unions, businesses, purchaser groups, and other prescription drug stakeholders.

Fighting for Generic Alternatives.

-- The Need for Biogeneric Competition. PCMA will once again drive the issue of creating of a clear regulatory pathway for biogenerics. With spending on biologics expected to double from $54 billion to $99 billion by 2010, PCMA strongly believes injecting competition in this space is necessary in order to drive down costs and increase access for consumers and employers.

-- Fighting Efforts that Prevent Generic Substitution. Generic substitution, as permitted by current state laws, is a well-established, clinically-sound practice. However, brand-
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