Pharmacy associations praise House of Representatives vote to pass H.R. 6331

The National Community Pharmacists Association, The Healthcare Distribution Management Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for voting 355 to 59 in favor of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331). This legislation, which would delay physician payment cuts in the Medicare program, also includes many critical pharmacy provisions. The provisions would delay implementation of Medicaid's average manufacturer's price (AMP) reimbursement formula until October 1, 2009; require prompt payment of Medicare prescription drug pricing; and delay implemenation of Round 1 of Medicare's durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. Last week, a similar bill (S. 3101) fell short of the votes needed, prompting the House leadership to call for this vote.

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