NACDS signs letter regarding importance of MTM

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has joined four patient groups in signing a letter to House and Senate leaders about the importance of including such medication adherence programs as medication therapy management to help improve patient health and manage chronic diseases.

The 60 Plus Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, National Consumers League, and Society for Women’s Health Research also signed the letter.

The text of the letter follows to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio). The letter urges that congressional leaders include "health reform legislation provisions that address chronic disease management through appropriate medication use."

"More than 133 million people, or almost half of all Americans, live with a chronic disease. Access to effective medications as well as services that promote medication adherence are essential in improving the health of these individuals. We urge Congress to recognize the role of healthcare providers such as pharmacists in chronic disease management," the letter said.

The letter also points out that while Medicare Part D plans include MTM, additional action is needed to make the benefit more accessible.

"While our interests are diverse, we reach consensus on the importance of proper chronic disease management. Enhancing the Medicare Part D MTM benefit is an important step in improving the health of patients and reducing unnecessary costs. We look forward to working with you to address this important issue as part of health reform this year," the letter concludes.