NCPA responds to Medicaid managed care proposed rule

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has submitted comments in response to the Medicaid managed care proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, expressing the need for improvements within the proposal.

The proposed rule would modernize Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program managed care regulations.

“Independent community pharmacies, often located in underserved and vulnerable population centers, have been indispensable to Medicaid beneficiaries receiving high quality prescription services,” NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey said. “Therefore, we want to ensure efforts to make Medicaid more efficient and cost-effective do not have the unintended consequence of discouraging independent community pharmacies continued participation in this vital program.”

Hoey said the NCPA believes their comments are constructive, and they are willing to work with regulators and legislators to improve Medicaid by considering the apprehensions of stakeholders.

“Clearly, the elephant in the room when it comes to Medicaid managed care is the manner in which PBM corporations operate, who due to a traditional lack of accountability and transparency, have been able to maximize their profits at the expense of others,” Hoey said. “When CMS issues its final rule it is our hope the reforms have the proper safeguards in place so the vulnerable populations of Medicaid beneficiaries will be able to continue getting pharmacy services that improve health outcomes and ultimately reduce spending."