Press Release

NACDS Welcomes Return of Pharmacist Provider Status Bill in Senate Urges “acceleration” of effort to use pharmacist services to enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of patient care

admin2017-01-12T22:18:00-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Medicare, Pharmacy_Value, Provider_Status, Vaccinations|

Arlington, Va. – The Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act (S. 109) was reintroduced today with the bipartisan original co-sponsorship of more than one-quarter of the U.S. Senate. The return of the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives also is anticipated shortly. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) strongly backs the legislation.

We want today’s bill re-introduction to serve as an acceleration, and not just a continuation, of the campaign to enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of patient care through pharmacist-provided services.

“NACDS truly appreciates the leadership of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) in re-introducing the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act as lead sponsors,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “NACDS thanks all of the 27 Senators who have made a powerful statement about this legislation by signing on as original cosponsors and sustaining this bill’s momentum from the 114th Congress into the current 115th Congress.

“We consider this bill’s swift and strong re-introduction a credit to these leaders in Congress, a credit to pro-patient and pro-pharmacy advocates, and a credit to the powerful story of pharmacies as the face of neighborhood healthcare. We want today’s bill re-introduction to serve as an acceleration, and not just a continuation, of the campaign to enhance the quality, accessibility and affordability of patient care through pharmacist-provided services.”

The bill would allow underserved Medicare patients to receive certain services from pharmacists, in states in which pharmacists already are permitted to administer the functions. Examples of these services include immunizations; helping seniors manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions and asthma; conducting wellness or prevention testing; and helping seniors take their medications correctly and as prescribed. Nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants currently can provide these services through Medicare.

“Pharmacists remain among the most highly trusted professionals. That, combined with their extensive education and accessibility, create tremendous opportunities for patient care,” Anderson said.

To sit for pharmacy Board licensure exams, candidates must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD), which requires a minimum of six years of professional education. Highly-educated pharmacists are tremendously [ READ MORE ]

NACDS Urges Senate to Prevent Consumer-Safety Risks of Prescription Drug Importation Maintains commitment to safer methods of expanding access to prescription medications in safe, affordable and effective ways

admin2017-01-10T08:36:23-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Medications|

Arlington, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has written to all 100 U.S. Senators to articulate the perils of allowing importation of prescription drugs. NACDS made its case in anticipation of proposed amendments to the budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 3) that the Senate is considering this week.

Maintains commitment to safer methods of expanding access to prescription medications in safe, affordable and effective ways

NACDS described the ways in which importation undermines the prescription drug safety net, and noted additional risks that include increased chances of counterfeit, the lack of recall communications, and the lack of a consumer’s ability to talk with a pharmacist about the medications.

In the letters, NACDS wrote:

“NACDS shares the goal of reducing the cost of prescription drugs, including through the promotion of generic drugs as safe, cost-effective alternatives for many patients. In fact, increasing the use of generic drugs is one of the most effective ways to minimize prescription drug costs.

“However, we do not believe that consumer safety can be ensured in any system that allows for the personal or commercial importation of prescription medications. The United States has an extensive safety net of federal and state laws to ensure that prescription drugs are manufactured, stored, shipped, dispensed and used in a safe manner. That safety net is eliminated, however, when prescription drugs are imported from foreign suppliers.

“Drugs coming into the United States from foreign websites and mail order operations are not subject to U.S. regulation, nor are they subject to regulation in the country from which they originate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that it: ‘cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of products that are not FDA-approved and come from unknown sources and foreign locations, or that may not have been manufactured under proper conditions. These unknowns put patients’ health at risk if they cannot be sure of the products identity, purity, and source. For these reasons, FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.’

“Additionally, the potential for counterfeit drugs being mailed into the U.S. from foreign Internet sites offering prescription drugs is very high. Further, if a [ READ MORE ]

Pharmacists Rank Second Again among Gallup’s Most Trusted Professionals Top-three recognition for 14th straight year shows importance of pursuing a pro-pharmacy, pro-patient policy agenda, NACDS says

admin2016-12-21T11:53:35-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Pharmacy_Value, Public_Relations|

Arlington, Va. – Gallup’s highly-anticipated Honesty and Ethics survey ranks pharmacists second again this year—behind only nurses—and in the top three for the 14th straight year.

The takeaway for policymakers is that the pharmacist-patient relationship has tremendous potential to do even more to improve patient health and well-being, along with the overall quality and affordability of healthcare.

The annual survey measures the public’s trust of diverse professions in healthcare and beyond.

“The rating that pharmacists earned in this annual Gallup survey is built on established pharmacist-patient relationships in neighborhoods throughout the nation. The takeaway for policymakers is that the pharmacist-patient relationship has tremendous potential to do even more to improve patient health and well-being, along with the overall quality and affordability of healthcare,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

“Heading into 2017, NACDS will advocate for improving patient access to pharmacists’ services by designating pharmacists as providers in Medicare; optimizing patient care through enhanced scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians alike; and continuously working for reasonable reimbursement levels and other policies that are essential for the viability of pharmacy patient care.”

Anderson noted that at the end of the 114th Congress, federal legislation to improve access to pharmacist-provided services among underserved Medicare patients (S. 314/H.R. 592) was cosponsored on a bipartisan basis for two-thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives and one-half of the U.S. Senate. He also noted the importance of keeping pharmacy top-of-mind amid any efforts to alter the Affordable Care Act, as pharmacy groups urged in a letter this week to the new administration and to Congressional leaders.

The exact question Gallup asked survey participants was: “Please tell me how you would rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in these different fields—very high, high, average, low or very low?” For pharmacists, 67 percent said “very high” or “high.” For nurses, 84 percent responded in that way. Medical doctors ranked third, followed by engineers.

The Gallup findings are consistent with NACDS’ opinion research. In a survey last month of likely voters who are highly aware and engaged in current events – commissioned by NACDS and conducted by Public Opinion Strategies – pharmacies achieved [ READ MORE ]

Pharmacy Associations Highlight Pro-Patient Priorities Amid ACA Review Letter to president- and vice president-elect, congressional leadership emphasizes pharmacy access to improve patient outcomes and prevent higher healthcare costs

admin2016-12-19T09:29:52-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: Medicaid, Medicare, Reform, Reimbursement|

Washington, D.C. – In a letter to the new power structure in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) have detailed steps necessary to leverage pharmacy patient care and prevent higher costs that result from untreated conditions.

“As the incoming Administration and Congress consider potential changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we ask that you ensure that beneficiary access to pharmacies is protected. Policies that reduce local pharmacy access lead to poorer health outcomes, ultimately resulting in increased future healthcare costs,” the associations wrote to President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI), and House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

The letter highlighted:

the accessibility of pharmacists;
their role in boosting medication adherence, which relates to taking medications as prescribed;
the importance of maintaining patients’ choice of pharmacies;
the importance of assuring fair and accurate Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement, according to average manufacturer price (AMP)-based federal upper limits (FULs) that were enacted in the Affordable Care Act; and
opportunities to build on pharmacists’ vaccination success story by improving patient access to pharmacist services for underserved Medicare beneficiaries.

“Nearly all Americans (91%) live within five miles of a community pharmacy. As Americans’ most convenient and accessible healthcare provider, we look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid patients can continue to receive cost-effective pharmacy services. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, pharmacists have expanded their role by collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to meet patients’ needs,” the associations wrote.

While noting the opportunities that exist in newer pharmacist-provided services, the associations emphasized that jeopardizing pharmacy access for medication services threatens health outcomes and healthcare affordability.

The associations explained, “The importance of medication-related services and maintaining access to community pharmacists for the Medicare and Medicaid populations cannot be overstated. Improving medication adherence can help Congress achieve its goals of better managing care for Medicare and [ READ MORE ]

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

admin2016-12-14T13:33:09-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: HHS, Medicaid, Medicare, Medications|

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 ]

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

admin2016-12-12T15:53:58-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: NACDS|

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 ]

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

admin2016-12-02T12:14:20-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: TRICARE|

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 ]

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

admin2016-11-29T13:56:46-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: CMS, HHS|

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.”

CDC Foundation’s Judith Monroe to Receive Award at NACDS Foundation Dinner Public health commitment cited in selection for 2016 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award

admin2016-11-14T13:35:03-05:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: NACDS_Foundation|

Arlington, Va. – 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 at the NACDS Foundation Dinner on December 1, 2016, in New York City.

Dr. Monroe and the CDC Foundation have demonstrated a true spirit of collaboration through public-private partnership initiatives designed to help prevent the spread and the consequences of the Zika virus, and to address other public health initiatives.

In making the announcement, NACDS Foundation President Kathleen Jaeger said, “We are very excited that we will be making this presentation in December. Dr. Monroe and the CDC Foundation have demonstrated a true spirit of collaboration through public-private partnership initiatives designed to help prevent the spread and the consequences of the Zika virus, and to address other public health initiatives.

“Dr. Monroe has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes and fostering health and well-being in communities throughout the nation. Through her personal engagement in education, she has equipped countless health professionals to make a powerful impact wherever they serve. It is an honor to be able to recognize Dr. Monroe’s work – and that of her colleagues – with the 2016 NACDS Foundation Excellence in Patient Care Award.”

Dr. Monroe was named to her current role on December 14, 2015. She joined the CDC Foundation from CDC, where she was a member of CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden’s senior leadership team. At CDC, Monroe served as director of the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support from 2010 to 2015. Before joining CDC, Dr. Monroe served as the state health commissioner for Indiana from 2005 to 2010.

Dr. Monroe began her clinical career as a member of the National Health Service Corps at the Morgan County Medical Center in rural Tennessee from 1986–1990. As a clinician educator, she joined the faculty in the Department of Family Medicine at Indiana University and led the department’s work in rural communities from 1990–1992. She then joined St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis in a dual administrative role as director of the Family Medicine Residency Program and the Primary Care Center from 1992–2005.

Dr. Monroe received [ READ MORE ]

NACDS: Political Arena Beckons During American Pharmacists Month Urges pharmacists to volunteer and vote for the candidates of their choice to raise awareness of pharmacy’s engagement and value

admin2016-10-14T13:12:39-04:00Categories: Press Release|Tags: RxIMPACT|

Arlington, Va. – At the midpoint of October’s observance of American Pharmacists Month, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is calling on the people of pharmacy to help achieve the designation’s objectives by volunteering and voting for the candidates of their choice at all levels of government.

Demonstrating strong political engagement is another vital aspect of remaining top-of-mind among community, state and national leaders.

“The goal of American Pharmacists Month is to help raise awareness of the value of the profession, and the decision-makers in government are among the key audiences. Pharmacy is doing a better-and-better job of demonstrating its vital role in healthcare and in the well-being of people across America, and demonstrating strong political engagement is another vital aspect of remaining top-of-mind among community, state and national leaders,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

“Pharmacists are on the frontline of healthcare delivery, with nearly all Americans—86 percent—living within five miles of a community pharmacy. NACDS members operate pharmacies in every state and congressional district. The healthcare access that pharmacists provide and the well-deserved respect and trust the profession has earned make pharmacists’ involvement in the political process even more compelling.”

The NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots program is waging its NACDS RxIMPACT Votes effort, providing get-out-the-vote resources to the pharmacy community leading up to Election Day on November 8. The resources aim to mobilize the community and increase voter registration and political engagement in campaigns. Significantly, the program does not encourage voting for any particular candidates, rather it focuses on getting voters excited about being part of the election process.

To encourage pharmacy personnel to volunteer and vote for the candidates of their choice, NACDS RxIMPACT launched widely-shared video ads in March and July of this year—“Effective” and “Momentum.” NACDS also launched PharmacyVoter.org—a website targeted to the pharmacy community to showcase the effort. The videos have so far garnered more than 160,000 views on YouTube. The NACDS RxIMPACT Votes resources are tied together with the “hashtag” #PharmacyVoter.

“For 13 years, pharmacists have ranked in the top three in Gallup’s survey of honesty and [ READ MORE ]

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