On June 24, the NACDS Board of Directors “virtually” met with seven key members of the Trump Administration and Congress: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma; U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA); and U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Peter Welch (D-VT).
The timely meetings centered on the array of policies essential to pharmacy’s COVID-19 response and on pharmacy reimbursement reforms – including direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fee relief – that are essential to patient access and pharmacy viability.
“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to remain connected with leaders in government, and to discuss the policy actions necessary to maximize pharmacy’s preparedness and impact for patients and communities throughout the pandemic,” said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson. “Maintaining dialogue with lawmakers during these uncommon times is vital. Pharmacies and pharmacists have an irreplaceable role to play in the COVID-19 response, and in restoring health to our communities and our economy.”
Board members’ continued engagement with leaders of the executive and legislative branches comes at a time of transition in the pandemic and its response – especially as the nation reopens and prepares for a potential second wave of coronavirus and a fast-approaching flu season.
Seema Verma, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
As CMS Administrator, Ms. Verma oversees one of the largest federal agencies that administers vital healthcare programs to more than 100 million Americans.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) is a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA)
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is a member of the Senate Committee on Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) and the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and its Subcommittee on Health.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship.
U.S. Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and its Subcommittee on Health.
U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and its Subcommittee on Health.
U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT)
U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and its Subcommittee on Health.
