On January 9th, Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) introduced H.R. 244 MAC Transparency Act to the House of Representatives. This bill was promptly referred to the Energy & Commerce Committee where it has been tabled awaiting review. This "Maximum Allowable Cost" bill has to do with transparency and timely update of generic drug pricing, but perhaps just as importantly it calls for changes in Medicare Part D that require Pharmacy Benefit Managers, contracted by Prescription Drug Plans, to abide by established or rather standardized criteria. Many of these criteria address long-standing problems for pharmacies, particularly in how reimbursement is calculated for dispensed medications, as well as the legality of specific mail order referrals communicated to patients.
While many of us have been monitoring provider status, it is important for us not to lose sight of other pharmacy-related legislative issues. I encourage all of you to click the link above to learn more about H.R. 244 and then write your Representatives to ask for their support. In addition, if you are from a state that has a Representative that is a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, please let these members know about your stand on this issue.
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy at Shenandoah is located in the great state of Virginia. Virginia, unlike a number of other states, does not have state legislation on MAC Transparency. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is on the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I extend the above call to action to all, but a special call to action to students, faculty and fellow Engage4Rx blog followers from Virginia to step up and advocate.
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