NACDS Applauds Senate Passage Of "Pro-Soldier, Pro-Savings" TRICARE Legislation, USA

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 04 Oct 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) applauded U.S. Senate passage of a bill that takes a "pro-soldier, pro-savings" approach to prescriptions filled through the TRICARE military health system.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (H.R. 1585) approved by the Senate includes provisions necessary to maintain choice for soldiers, military retirees, and their families and ensure access to chain community pharmacies.

The portion of the bill related to the TRICARE pharmacy program extends the current freeze on increases to retail pharmacy co-payments and includes language that would clarify that the Department of Defense (DoD) may negotiate with drug manufacturers for federal pricing discounts for TRICARE prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies, in the same manner as they do today for TRICARE prescriptions filled at military bases or by mail order. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the Senate provision will provide $300 million in savings to the Department in Fiscal Year 2008, and $1.8 billion in savings in Fiscal Years 2008-2012.

In addition to leveling the playing field between mail order and retail pharmacies, these tremendous savings eliminate the need to penalize beneficiaries who choose to obtain their prescription medications and services from their local pharmacies. The Senate bill also includes language, offered by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), that prohibits increased co-payments for military beneficiaries using retail pharmacies in the TRICARE program.

"This bill is pro-soldier in that it protects the right of over nine million TRICARE beneficiaries to benefit from their relationships with chain community pharmacists - relationships which improve patient outcomes. The bill also is pro-savings for military families and for the Department of Defense alike. Now that these provisions have passed both the House and Senate, chain community pharmacy will remain vigilant to ensure this sound approach to public policy is enacted into law," said NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE.

NACDS partners with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) through the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action (CCPA), as well as with military beneficiary groups and others committed to protecting the right of TRICARE beneficiaries to use the pharmacy of their choice.

The Defense Authorization bill now requires negotiation of differences between the House of Representatives and Senate versions, followed by the signature of the President.

http://www.nacds.org