Government Interference in Drug Negotiations Undermines Safety and Puts Part D Program at Risk - Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Testimony to Senate Finance Committee
Posted on: Thursday, 11 January 2007, 12:01 CST
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), delivered testimony to the Senate Finance Committee today spelling out the Academy's firm position on key issues being debated in Congress regarding amendments to the non-interference language of the Medicare Part D drug benefit.
The Academy's testimony explains that the needs of patients and the ability of health care professionals to provide quality, safe and affordable health care are best served by having the government promote effective competition and encourage the use of innovative management techniques by purchasers, rather than directly intervening in competitive activities or engaging in micro-managing otherwise functioning markets.
AMCP states the price of a drug is only one factor affecting the continued long term viability of the program. Authorizing the federal government to negotiate the purchase price of drugs for the Medicare Part D program would inappropriately separate price negotiations from the formulary development process. By requiring the federal government to negotiate drug prices, a principal tool used by prescription drug plan sponsors to manage the benefit would be removed, and adherence to best practices in private sector managed care pharmacy would be undermined. The ability of Part D plan sponsors to deliver a competitive benefit based on clinically sound, evidence-based medication choices, multiple delivery systems and copayment alternatives would be impaired. AMCP states, "It is the effective use of formularies that has mitigated the increase in the cost of medications without sacrificing patient access to necessary therapy, including access to medically necessary non-formulary drugs."
The Academy concludes, "In giving drug plan sponsors the responsibility for administering the new Part D prescription drug benefit, Congress cited the success of private sector managed care organizations in using a broad range of innovative and integrated strategies to effectively manage prescription drug benefits for given patient populations--including the securing of price concessions from manufacturers and the use of clinically appropriate formulary systems based on standards outlined in the law." The Academy warns that making such a fundamental change after only one year poses a risk not only to beneficiaries, but to the Medicare Part D program as well, and could undermine its long term success.
The full testimony is available on http://www.amcp.org.
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) is a national professional association of pharmacists and other health care practitioners who serve society by the application of sound medication management principles and strategies to achieve positive patient outcomes. The Academy's 5,000 members develop and provide a diversified range of clinical, educational and business management services and strategies on behalf of the more than 200 million Americans covered by a managed care pharmacy benefit. More news and information about AMCP can be obtained on its website, at www.amcp.org.
Source: Business Wire
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