NACDS presses Congress to alter stance on pro-pharmacy act
NACDS president issues position statement.
Following the July 15 veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, responded in a statement that is summarized here:
"...It is critical that the pro-pharmacy measures in H.R. 6331 be enacted. These measures will delay Medicaid cuts to pharmacy reimbursements, encourage e-prescribing, protect patient access to diabetic supplies, and ensure prompt payment of Medicare pharmacy claims.
"Without legislation to delay implementation of the new Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) reimbursement formula under Medicaid, pharmacies will face devastating cuts. As a result, 11,000 pharmacies could be forced to close, and these pharmacies account for 300,000 jobs and $31 billion in economic activity nationwide. ...
"We are grateful to the House and Senate leadership and members of both parties for their continued support of this critical legislation. We urge Congress to override this veto in the interest of seniors, low income Americans and the pharmacies that serve them."
