Medicare & Medicaid Services program receives support from APhA

A new initiative of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve the medication therapy management (MTM) benefit for patients using stand-alone Medicare Part D plans has received backing from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

"We applaud CMS for continuing to recognize the value of MTM to patients and to the Medicare program and for seeking ways to improve its overall impact," Thomas Menighan, APhA's executive vice president and chief executive officer, said. "It is clear through the establishment of this initiative that CMS understands the benefits of MTM including optimizing medication use, improving public health, and reducing health care costs. The research shows that medication-related problems are a significant issue for many Americans, particularly seniors who use multiple prescriptions for health conditions."

APhA's members have for some time voiced their desire to improve medication use and its effect on patients. One of the organization's main goals over the past several years has been to make Medicare Part D MTM stronger and more effective.