Wendy future of retail top

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association

Number of independent pharmacies in U.S. increasing

Number of independent pharmacies in U.S. increasing

WASHINGTON — The number of independent pharmacies in the United States increased in 2020, according to a new analysis of pharmacy data. Pharmacy data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, analyzed by the healthcare analytics firm Quest Analytics, shows the overall number of independent pharmacy stores increased by 449 between January 2020 and

PBMs: The only entity reducing Rx costs on behalf of patients

PBMs: The only entity reducing Rx costs on behalf of patients

WASHINGTON — Pharmaceutical Care Management Association president and CEO JC Scott issued the following statement on today’s hearing in the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on pricing practices for prescription drugs: “We appreciate the House Oversight Committee keeping a spotlight on drug manufacturers’ pricing practices. While drug manufacturers are solely responsible for setting and

America’s pharmaceutical supply and payment chain teaming to promote undisrupted access to medications

America’s pharmaceutical supply and payment chain teaming to promote undisrupted access to medications

WASHINGTON — Representative organizations of America’s pharmaceutical supply and payment chain, including prescription and over-the-counter brand and generic manufacturers; wholesalers; retail, specialty, and managed care, pharmacies; health insurance providers and other payers; pharmacists in hospitals and health systems; and pharmacy benefit managers, released on Thursday new policy principles to promote undisrupted patient access to medications

PCMA’s Merritt issues statement on drug pricing

PCMA’s Merritt issues statement on drug pricing

WASHINGTON — Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) president and chief executive officer Mark Merritt released the following statement on reports of yet another round of massive price hikes by drug manufacturers. “News of recent price increases by drugmakers further confirms that the easiest way to lower costs would be for drug companies to lower their prices.” This

PCMA issues statement on new OIG Medicare Part D report

PCMA issues statement on new OIG Medicare Part D report

WASHINGTON — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement on a Medicare Part D report released by the Office of Inspector (OIG), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): “This report finally debunks the myth that drugmakers have somehow been compelled to raise prices because of the discounts and rebates health plans

PCMA: ADA report confirms drugmakers set to raise insulin prices

PCMA: ADA report confirms drugmakers set to raise insulin prices

WASHINGTON — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement regarding a white paper released today by the American Diabetes Association on insulin prices: “The American Diabetes Association’s new white paper on insulin prices confirms that drugmakers set, and continue to raise, prices. Along with high prices for insulin products, drug manufacturer product

PCMA president Mark Merritt to leave post in December

PCMA president Mark Merritt to leave post in December

WASHINGTON — After 15 years of heading up the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA), chief executive officer and president Mark Merritt is stepping down, effective at year-end. Under Merritt’s leadership, PCMA grew from an obscure group into the nation’s leading voice on prescription drug benefits. One of his first missions was to help shape the bill

PCMA responds to Medicare Part D ruling

PCMA responds to Medicare Part D ruling

WASHINGTON — Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) president and chief executive officer Mark Merritt released the following statement on the Medicare Part D final rule released this week by the Department of Health and Human Services: “Two years ago drugmakers launched a campaign to deflect blame for their high prices onto health plans and pharmacy benefit

Senators aim to quash pharmacy gag clauses

Senators aim to quash pharmacy gag clauses

WASHINGTON — A group of senators are sponsoring legislation to bring more prescription drug pricing transparency to the pharmacy counter. Sens. Susan Collins (R., Maine), Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.) and Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) yesterday introduced the Patient Right to Know Drug Prices Act (S. 2554) and the Know the Lowest Price Act (S. 2553), which would

NACDS weighs in on burdens associated with DIR fees

ARLINGTON, Va. — The “untenable” procedures around direct and indirect remuneration fees (DIR fees) can be righted with measures reducing costs for beneficiaries and the government, while promoting a more quality-driven health care system, says the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. NACDS expressed that message in comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

NCPA CEO urges federal action on PBMs

NCPA CEO urges federal action on PBMs

 At a health subcommittee hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Committee, B. Douglas Hoey, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), called for legislative and regulatory action on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) business practices to help rein in prescription drug costs. The hearing, titled “Examining the Drug Supply Chain”

Senate hearing scrutinizes prescription drug costs

Senate hearing scrutinizes prescription drug costs

WASHINGTON — Pharmacy benefit managers are a key focus of debate about elevated drug pricing that has come before a U.S. Senate committee. The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition (SCPC) called for PBM reform in written testimony submitted to a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing

NCPA, APA file brief in drug pricing case

NCPA, APA file brief in drug pricing case

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA) have filed an amici curiae brief in federal court against a challenge by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA). NCPA said the brief, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, supports Arkansas in a lawsuit initiated by

What’s the story with PBMs?

What’s the story with PBMs?

A lobbying event in Washington has triggered salvoes between two combatants: independent community pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers. The National Community Pharmacists Association is holding its Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In advocacy drive this week, where it will also release “The PBM Story: What They Say, What They Do, and What Can Be Done About It,” offered

PP_1170x120_10-25-21