APhA To The Senate - Expand MTM Benefits, USA

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 02 May 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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Today, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) told Congress that there are serious pitfalls for pharmacists in the current Medicare Part D drug prescription plan. Testifying before the Senate Committee on Finance, APhA cited low and slow pharmacy reimbursements, burdensome formulary processes that restrict patient access to necessary medications and missed opportunities within Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs as some of the roadblocks to a truly effective drug plan.

At today's hearing, Dr. Tucker presented the pharmacists' perspective on challenges they face implementing the Medicare Part D. "Medicare has had a dramatic impact on the business of pharmacy. Pharmacies have not been provided opportunities to negotiate contracts, their reimbursements often don't cover their costs, and payments are unnecessarily delayed," testified APhA President-elect Timothy L. Tucker, PharmD of Huntingdon, Tennessee. "In addition, to these operational challenges, the complexity of managing each plan's formulary has negatively impacted patient access to necessary medications".

Dr. Tucker also testified to a "missed opportunity" in the benefit, "In 2006, attention was focused on getting medications to patients, now its time for us to concentrate on improving the nation's investment in Medicate Part D," testified APhA President-elect Timothy L. Tucker, PharmD of Huntingdon, Tennessee. "Improving medication use requires that patients not only receive their medications but also know how to use them. This is where pharmacists can create real value. We are best positioned to help our patients accomplish this through the expansion of MTM services."

"When the architects were designing this new benefit, MTM services were described as the 'cornerstone' explained Tucker. "MTM was recognized as an essential component of effective patient care and MTM programs were supposed to provide a wide range of clinical services to patients, including educating patients about their medications. But - most plans have fallen short of the mark."

"Value cannot be measured simply by cost; it must include its effect on a patient's health," says Tucker. "An improperly used or unused medication is ultimately the most expensive medication."

APhA strongly encouraged the Committee to expand access to pharmacist-provided MTM to Medicare beneficiaries and to limit the administrative burdens that impact the pharmacist's ability to provide patient care services.

"Medicare Part D took the important step of providing beneficiaries access to prescription medications," says Dr. Tucker, "now we must eliminate the problems which impede the pharmacists' ability to work within the program."

To view the testimony, click here.

The American Pharmacists Association is dedicated to improving medication use and advancing patient care. Founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, APhA is the first-established and largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. Our more than 60,000 members include pharmacists, scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. For more information on APhA go to www.aphanet.org.

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