NACDS members, allies to advocate pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policies

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will welcome more than 150 pharmacy advocates to Capitol Hill to meet with key lawmakers about the importance of pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy in the context of healthcare reform.

Part of the association’s newly-launched grassroots advocacy program, the NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill will involve the discussion of rising healthcare costs with members of Congress, including revisions to the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement system and the inclusion of medication therapy management provisions.

The NACDS has cited flaws in the healthcare system, but said they are hoping the discussions will positively impact healthcare reform.

A temporary delay is in place until Sept. 30, set forth by the 2008 Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act (S. 1951/ H.R. 3700). A preliminary injunction that resulted from a lawsuit filed by NACDS and the National Community Pharmacists Association also has temporarily blocked the cuts. Pharmacy advocates will urge lawmakers to permanently fix this system. Otherwise, these cuts could do damage to healthcare access for millions of disadvantaged Americans. Further these cuts could mean insufficient pay and job loss, pharmacy closures, and reduced access to cost-saving generics.

“Pharmacy plays a critical role in helping patients maintain their health and in keeping healthcare costs down, and therefore should be a part of any healthcare reform package under consideration,” said Steve Anderson, president, CEO of NACDS. “We are very pleased that pharmacy advocates will be in Washington, D.C. during this critical time of debate on the most important domestic issue that impacts all Americans

— healthcare reform.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.), who will keynote the opening session of the RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill on June 16. Rep. Ross serves on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee,which has jurisdiction on issues related to Medicaid, Medicare, the Food and Drug Administration and healthcare reform.

“NACDS looks forward to continue engaging in discussions with key lawmakers about these critical issues — not only during our Hill visits, but as the healthcare debate progresses this year,” Anderson said.