The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has expressed its support for the reintroduction of the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, a bill aimed at reforming pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices. The legislation was reintroduced by Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), James Comer (R-Ky.), and Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.). NCPA previously endorsed the bill when it was first introduced last year.
The Pharmacists Fight Back Act seeks to address issues related to pharmacy reimbursement and introduces significant penalties for PBM violations. Key provisions include reforms in federal health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. These reforms would require reimbursements based on acquisition costs and fair dispensing fees. The act also proposes a ban on patient steering, allowing patients greater choice in selecting their pharmacies, and redirects PBM rebates to patients and plan sponsors with the goal of lowering premiums. Enforcement measures are included to ensure PBM compliance. The bill numbers are H.R. 6609 and H.R. 6610.
“With this legislation and the other legislative proposals introduced in Congress, legislators have many options at their disposal to check the PBMs — and no reason to delay,” said NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey. “PBM reform would rein in the big health insurance lobby, make prescription drugs more affordable for consumers, and throw a lifeline to the thousands of small, family-owned pharmacies that are on the brink of closure. We are continuing to push hard, along with our allies, for Congress to finalize PBM reform legislation and send it to the president’s desk as soon as possible.”
The reintroduction event took place during a press conference held on Capitol Hill attended by Reps. Auchincloss, Comer, Harshbarger, cosponsoring Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), as well as pharmacists from 17 states who discussed daily challenges faced by pharmacists and emphasized the need for PBM reform.
NCPA represents over 18,900 community pharmacies across the United States employing more than 235,000 people nationwide.
Alerts Sign-up