National Association of Chain Drug StoresPharmacies. The face of neighborhood healthcare.

NACDS Logo

About admin

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far admin has created 1561 blog entries.

NACDS Welcomes HHS-OIG Final Rule That Allows Medicare, Medicaid Patients to Access Pharmacy Reward Programs

2016-12-14T13:33:09-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: , , , |

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is welcoming a final rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that will allow pharmacies greater flexibility to extend their popular reward and loyalty programs to beneficiaries in government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

This is a very positive step forward for pharmacy patient care, and a further recognition by a government agency of the tremendous value of pharmacies as the face of neighborhood healthcare and of the expanded innovative programs that pharmacies provide.

The final rule reflects OIG’s acceptance of several of NACDS’ suggestions for important improvements to the final rules. NACDS had submitted formal comments to OIG during the development of the rule to express strong support for it in concept and to convey revisions that would be necessary for the rule’s workability.

“NACDS advocated for this rule, and worked constructively to help enhance it, because it will allow government program beneficiaries to enjoy access to programs voluntarily implemented by pharmacies which reduce healthcare costs, improve quality, and promote patient health,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “This is a very positive step forward for pharmacy patient care, and a further recognition by a government agency of the tremendous value of pharmacies as the face of neighborhood healthcare and of the expanded innovative programs that pharmacies provide.”

Federal laws have blocked participation by government-program beneficiaries in these initiatives offered by pharmacies, even though these initiatives have been enjoyed by other patients for many years. Programs vary in their specific designs. They often include cost-savings or other rewards for filling prescriptions or engaging in other health-promotion programs, such as health screenings or strategies designed to enhance medication adherence – or taking medications as prescribed.

“Pharmacy programs affected by the proposed rule reduce healthcare costs, both for individual patients and for the healthcare system as a whole. At the same time, these pharmacy programs promote access to prescribed medications that are essential to maintaining patient health and wellness,” NACDS explained in its comments submitted during the regulatory process.

“Failure to take medications [ READ MORE ]

Read More

NACDS Reinforces Highly Effective Advocacy Team, Selects William Tighe as Vice President, Federal Government Affairs and Amber Manko as Director, Federal Government Affairs

2016-12-12T15:53:58-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: |

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is strategically advancing its highly effective, results-driven government affairs and public policy team by announcing the selection of William Tighe as vice president of federal government affairs and Amber Manko as director of federal government affairs. Tighe reports to Tom O’Donnell, NACDS’ senior vice president of government affairs and public policy. He began his new position with NACDS on December 12. Manko started with NACDS on November 28 and will report to Tighe.

Tighe brings extensive legislative experience to NACDS. He most recently served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. Previously, Tighe served as chief of staff to former U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), where he held progressively responsible leadership roles, and for former Rep. George W. Gekas (R-PA).

Tighe received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason School of Public Policy in Virginia.  He is a member of several professional associations, including Republicans Associated for Mutual Support (RAMS) and the House Chiefs of Staff Association.

“We are very pleased that Bill will soon join NACDS’ respected and successful advocacy team,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “Bill’s policy expertise, forged on Capitol Hill where he led top congressional offices as chief of staff, positions him well to serve as NACDS’ lead legislative advocate. We welcome Bill at a critical policy and legislative juncture, as NACDS prepares to work collaboratively with a new administration and a new Congress to advance pro-patient, pro-pharmacy legislative priorities.”

Manko most recently served as director of federal affairs at CAPG, a trade association focused on helping physician groups improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Manko worked with congressional leaders on key Medicare and healthcare issues.

Prior to starting with CAPG in 2016, Manko served as a director of federal affairs and political programs at America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), where she successfully advocated Congress on issues affecting the healthcare industry, including the Affordable Care Act, cybersecurity and Medicare programs. Previously, she served at AHIP in positions [ READ MORE ]

Read More

2016 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award Presented

2016-12-02T13:25:45-05:00Categories: Photo|Tags: |

Judith A. Monroe, M.D., FAAFP, president and CEO of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, accepted the 2016 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award at the NACDS Foundation Dinner on December 1, 2016, in New York City. (left to right: NACDS President & CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, Judith A. Monroe, M.D., FAAFP, and NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger)

Read More

NACDS Praises TRICARE Pharmacy Pilot in Final Defense Bill Bill also includes no new copayment increases

2016-12-02T12:14:20-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: |

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today expressed appreciation to Congressional leaders for advancing the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes the NACDS-supported “Pilot Program for Prescription Drug Acquisition Cost Parity in the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program.” The pilot will provide military families and veterans with the choice of how they get their medications and will also lower program costs. Importantly, the final bill also includes no new copayment increases, which also is in the interest of pharmacy choice and access for beneficiaries – which leads to enhanced health and well-being.

This is a great day for the TRICARE program and for the military families and veterans who rely on their local pharmacies.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the final NDAA today – as negotiated between the House and Senate. Senate action is anticipated soon.

“This is a great day for the TRICARE program and for the military families and veterans who rely on their local pharmacies. This pilot program will allow the Department of Defense to access lower pricing for prescriptions dispensed at community pharmacies. Simply put, it will improve beneficiary access to medications and reduce costs,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

“NACDS appreciates the leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), on this important issue. Also, we want to thank House Military Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Joseph Heck (R-NV) and Ranking Member Susan Davis (D-CA) and Senate Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

“NACDS recognizes the 37 House members who elevated this issue of the pilot program when the House and Senate negotiators were finalizing the NDAA. Rep. Earl L. ‘Buddy’ Carter (R-GA), Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) led the effort to send a letter to the negotiators at that pivotal time.

“We also commend the House and Senate negotiators’ important action in making no additional copayment increases, which is highly consistent with fostering the health and well-being of our military families and veterans.”

In the Congressional letter that Anderson [ READ MORE ]

Read More

NACDS to HHS, CMS Nominees: “We are Enthusiastic to Help Leverage Pharmacy to Improve Americans’ Health and Well-Being” NACDS welcomes nominations of Rep. Tom Price to head HHS, Seema Verma to head CMS

2016-11-29T13:56:46-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: , |

Arlington, Va. – National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, issued the following statement today, welcoming President-elect Donald Trump’s nominations of U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Seema Verma as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

 “NACDS welcomes the nominations of Congressman Tom Price to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma to serve as Administrator of CMS. We are enthusiastic to help leverage pharmacy to improve Americans’ health and well-being. When it comes to the accessibility, quality and affordability of healthcare, pharmacies are doing more than ever before and can be utilized even more effectively for the good of patients and for the benefit of society. NACDS has a powerful story to tell, and we look forward to working with these leaders to put that story into action in new and innovative ways.

“Collaboration is absolutely essential to maximize the potential of the healthcare delivery system, and to prevent policies that stifle it. NACDS looks forward to engaging completely in the ongoing work of developing and implementing solutions that benefit American patients and consumers.”

Read More

The NACDS Foundation Dinner Is Almost Here!

2016-11-29T10:52:25-05:00Categories: Photo|Tags: |

Anticipation is building for the NACDS Foundation Dinner, which happens this week in New York City–Thursday, December 1.  In its 18th year, the Foundation Dinner and contributions from the Foundation’s benefactors help support evidence-based research that advances patient care, pharmacy education, student scholarships, and charitable organizations that improve patient outcomes.

Emmy-award-winning writer and Saturday Night Live alumnus Seth Meyers, recently called the “smartest talk show host” of his generation” by The New York Times, will be the keynote speaker at the event and Judith A. Monroe, M.D., FAAFP, president and CEO of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, will accept the 2016 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award that evening.

For more information, please visit the NACDS Foundation Dinner website.

Read More

New Political Landscape Calls for Maximum Grassroots Engagement

2016-11-18T13:26:04-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: |

The recent elections caused many political shifts, including the loss of nearly 40 cosponsors of provider status legislation—the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act (H.R. 592/S. 314).

Now is the time to tap into the power that constituents have with their elected leaders.

The legislators, representing 17 states, will not be returning when the new Congress convenes in 2017, which presents an even more pressing need to make your voice heard in Washington D.C. by attending the ninth annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, March 14-15, 2017. The political landscape has changed, and with change comes the opportunity to tell pharmacy’s story to new legislators and make the case for federal recognition of pharmacists, among other legislative priorities.

The good news? Advocates representing 45 states—a record for the event—have already registered. Be sure and add your strength to the numbers. Now is the time to tap into the power that constituents have with their elected leaders. NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill brings together more than 350 pharmacy executives, pharmacists, students and other pharmacy leaders to meet the new Congress, highlight the value of pharmacy and make a mark on history.

Register today to join advocates who have already registered from 45 states!

Read More

Get Smart about Antibiotics During Get Smart Week—November 14-20

2016-11-15T15:18:24-05:00Categories: Article|Tags: |

In recognition of antibiotic stewardship programs across the care continuum, the NACDS Foundation supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual one-week observance—Get Smart Week, November 14–20—to raise awareness about the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

The CDC has made combating antibiotic resistance a top priority and is partnering with public institutions and private industry to overcome this challenge.

The CDC has made combating antibiotic resistance a top priority and is partnering with public institutions and private industry to overcome this challenge. The agency has created resources for the initiative, including a Get Smart Week toolkit, fact sheets and other resources, a social media campaign and a partner page where stakeholders can share their plans for the week.

The National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria aims to reduce inappropriate outpatient antibiotic use by 50 percent by 2020. The NACDS Foundation is committed to working with the CDC and other stakeholders to partner in addressing this important public health issue.

 

Read More
NACDS Logo

NACDS represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets and mass merchants with pharmacies. Chains operate over 40,000 pharmacies, and NACDS’ member companies include regional chains, with a minimum of four stores, and national companies. Chains employ nearly 3 million individuals, including 155,000 pharmacists. They fill over 3 billion prescriptions yearly, and help patients use medicines correctly and safely, while offering innovative services that improve patient health and healthcare affordability. NACDS members also include more than 900 supplier partners and over 70 international members representing 21 countries.

© National Association of Chain Drug Stores   |   All Rights Reserved   |   Privacy & Disclaimer

Go to Top