California Pharmacists Association Applauds District Court Halt Of Medi-Cal Cuts

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 21 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A Federal District Court in Los Angeles ordered the state of California to stop the ten percent cuts in Medi-Cal reimbursement payments to healthcare providers. The Court found that pharmacies and other Medi-Cal providers and patients were being irreparably harmed as a result of the cuts and that the providers had show a likelihood of success on the merits. Pharmacies were losing money on nearly every Medi-Cal transaction and many pharmacies have been forced to turn away Medi-Cal patients.

In addition to pharmacies, the Court's order includes relief for physicians, dentists, adult day health care centers, clinics, health systems and other health care providers and applies to services on or after July 1, 2008.

"This case has been a rollercoaster ride since the beginning. The California Pharmacists Association applauds Judge Snyder for recognizing the damage that the cuts were having on pharmacy and the patients they serve," said Lynn Rolston, chief executive officer of the California Pharmacists Association. "We are grateful for this much needed and timely victory. The Judge has saved the day for patients and for the pharmacy network in California."

This outstanding victory shows the strength of a united profession working together to ensure patient safety and care. The lawsuit brought was by Attorney Lynn Carman, Independent Living Center et al. vs. Shewry, and is one of three supported by a coalition of pharmacy interests, including the California Pharmacists Association, the National Community Pharmacists Associations, the California Retailers Association and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Several independent community groups and individual community pharmacies have also contributed to the lawsuit.

For the full text of Judge Snyder's order go to http://www.cpha.com.

California Pharmacists Association