As Congress and the Administration work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, AmerisourceBergen and Good Neighbor Pharmacy are urging policymakers to consider measures that would enable pharmacies to be part of the solution.
NCPA is asking pharmacists to contact their Representative and Senators immediately to urge them to include provisions addressing pharmacy DIR fees and ensuring fair reimbursements for community pharmacies in their next legislative package to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here to contact your legislators today.
On Tuesday 3/17, NCPA
sent a letter to Vice President Pence and members of the Administration’s Coronavirus Task Force with recommendations on how community pharmacy can assist in the pandemic response, including:
- Allowing independent community pharmacists to test for COVID-19;
- Provide home delivery services;
- Test for influenza and strep;
- And vaccinate for influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19, once a vaccine is developed
The letter also states that in order to remain viable and keep doors open to provide continued access and care, independent community pharmacists need an immediate suspension of all pharmacy DIR fees assessed by PBMs. This follows
a March 2 letter sent by NCPA to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ top emergency preparedness official offering community pharmacy’s assistance.
Additionally, NACDS
sent a letter to Vice President Pence and congressional leadership detailing numerous policy proposals that would authorize and expand important pharmacy services to help deal with COVID-19. The letter also outlines operational recommendations that could provide pharmacists with necessary flexibility to deliver essential services to those impacted by COVID-19.
We know that because community pharmacists are on the frontlines of patient care, you can play a significant role in fighting the pandemic. We will continue to communicate to the Administration and lawmakers that independent community pharmacy is ready and willing to help and is well-positioned to be part of the solution to COVID-19.