Dear Colleague,
Many members of Congress are fighting for their political lives this year. Your member may be one of them. It isn't surprising. Partisan food-fighting hasn't led to much progress on the things Americans care about. According to the most recent Gallup survey, public approval for Congress has slumped to about 16 percent. Not good news going into an election. You know what they're desperate for? An encouraging word. So, let's use that to our advantage.
While other constituents may be barking and snarling, you could offer your member of Congress a ready-made photo opportunity and a reason to talk about something that they actually accomplished. After all, the Medicare PBM reform they passed into law this year was one of the few bipartisan achievements. Instead of the usual flogging they receive, they'd love a pat on the back in front of local news reporters. We can help you make that happen. Just contact the NCPA office and sign up for the Months of Action.
If you don't know, the Months of Action event is our annual grassroots campaign during Congress' August (and this year, October) recess to remind them that the independent pharmacy priorities they hear about while they are in D.C. are important to the folks back home. The NCPA team helps NCPA members across the country organize and plan pharmacy visits for representatives and senators and their staffers. Last year we helped organize almost 100!
Lawmakers love the visits because they are great opportunities to get out of Washington and try to connect with Main Street by talking about what they've accomplished. In this case, they passed the first-ever Medicare PBM reform.
This year we're saying, "thank you." Members of Congress don't hear that very often — especially these days. But on the issue of Medicare PBM reform, they earned a thank you — and a reminder that there is much more work to be done.
In February, I testified to representatives that the taxpayer-funded Medicare program is the worst payer in the country and is causing the closure of independent pharmacies. The "reasonable and relevant" provision in the legislation that was passed was desperately needed and could lead to fairer and more transparent pharmacy contract terms. It's a major win for independent pharmacies, but it's also a major win for patients, because it improves your ability to keep the doors open for them and their families.
A visit to your pharmacy by your legislator gives you the opportunity to not only thank them, but to remind them there is a lot more unfinished business they need to get done this year when it comes to Medicaid managed care payment reform, Tricare audits, and the ability for pharmacists to be paid for their services in Medicare B. If these policies have any chance to pass, it will most likely be at the end of the year, after the election. That makes the next 4-6 weeks absolutely critical. So, while your member of Congress is there in your store, remind them there's a lot more to do.
That's also true of "reasonable and relevant" even though it became law. In fact, a crucial part is still ahead. CMS is currently writing the rules to define and enforce "reasonable and relevant" contract terms for pharmacies participating in Medicare Part D. If the regulatory language isn't airtight, the PBMs will find the holes and slither through them. Their lobbyists and lawyers are busy right now trying to influence the rulemaking process in ways they can exploit. Speaking of action, when CMS issues a formal request for information on "reasonable and relevant," NCPA will be reaching out to you to ask that you provide your input. Loudly and clearly.
In the meantime, set up a pharmacy visit for your member of Congress. Give them something they don't hear often — a kind word — while reminding them the job of PBM reform is far from done.
Best,
B. Douglas Hoey, Pharmacist, MBA
NCPA CEO
P.S. Speaking of Main Street, that's the theme for the NCPA Annual Convention taking place Oct. 3-6 in Kansas City. Make your plans now to attend — it's only eight weeks away!
