ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Jan. 18, 2019) — National Community Pharmacists Association CEO B. Douglas Hoey, Pharmacist, MBA, issued the following statement today after reports that Walmart has agreed to renew its contract with CVS Caremark, ending a dispute with the pharmacy benefit manager over pharmacy reimbursements:
"If America's largest retailer must publicly brawl with PBM middlemen for 'mutually agreeable' reimbursement, what leverage do independent community pharmacy owners have? They are presented take-it-or-leave-it contracts by PBM corporations. This Walmart-CVS spat brings to light just how difficult it is – even for a Goliath of retail – to negotiate fair contracts with PBM mega-corporations. We urge policymakers and regulators to act now to end PBM tactics that stifle competition and hinder medication access and affordability for patients.
"NCPA will continue pushing for a pharmacy payment model that is transparent and fair – a level playing field for all competitors, even those not listed on the Fortune 500."
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Founded in 1898, the National Community Pharmacists Association is the voice for the community pharmacist, representing 22,000 pharmacies that employ 250,000 individuals nationwide. Community pharmacies are rooted in the communities where they are located and are among America's most accessible health care providers. To learn more, visit www.ncpanet.org.