NACDS, other advocacy groups call for legislation to address cuts to Medicaid reimbursement
ALEXANDRIA, Va. In a letter to Congressional leaders, a coalition of advocacy groups expressed its support for legislation that will help preserve patient access to medications, and urged Congress to pass the Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act (H.R. 3700/S. 1951).
“Access to effective medications, in addition to the availability of health care providers to ensure they are taken appropriately, is critical to improving outcomes and reducing costs,” the letter read, in part. “We believe the enactment of legislation is necessary this year to create a reimbursement benchmark that is fair and accurate, and will help to protect patient access to important pharmacy services.”
Among the signatories on the letter were representatives from the 60 Plus Association, the American Medical Group Association, Easter Seals, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the National Caucus & Center on Black Aged, the National Consumers League and the National Family Caregivers Association. These organizations represent consumers, patients, health care providers and others who—like pharmacy—could be negatively impacted by cuts to Medicaid reimbursements.
“These diverse organizations share the same goal—the need to preserve access to medications for low-income patients,” said NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. “We are pleased to be working together towards this goal and grateful for their support of this crucial legislation.”