Keep the pressure on

There has been a flurry of activity this year on Capitol Hill with lawmakers looking to hold PBMs' feet to the fire. NCPA members have testified before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, as well as the Senate Commerce Committee.

Additionally, NCPA priority legislation, the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act, was unanimously advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee to the House floor as part of the PATIENT Act. These are all encouraging developments, but we need to keep the pressure on policymakers to finish the job and send a comprehensive PBM reform bill to the president’s desk.

This can best be accomplished by hosting members of Congress and candidates in your pharmacy for one-on-one meetings, giving them a firsthand look at the important role you play in your community and in helping your patients, and highlighting the harm abusive PBM practices have on both your pharmacy and your patients.

Members of Congress are usually home during the month of August given the congressional schedule. This is a very opportune time to host your legislators in your pharmacy.

We need all community and LTC pharmacists to participate in this important month of action and keep the pressure on our elected officials to take strong legislative action.

Please let us know of your interest in participating by completing this interest form or by emailing Michael Rule at mrule@ncpa.org. He will follow up with you to help you invite your legislators for a visit to your pharmacy.