Pharmacists voice opposition to proposed plan

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) strongly opposing Mississippi’s plan to reduce pharmacy reimbursements by 15 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year.

The approval is required by the federal government in its partnership with states to provide health care services to economically disadvantaged and disabled Americans.

The letter echoes the sentiment expressed by the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association (MIPA), which has taken the lead in opposing the cuts and has filed a request to amend an existing lawsuit to prevent the cuts from occurring.

“The still-troubled economy is causing the Medicaid rolls to grow across the country, which is why cuts that could squeeze some pharmacies and other health care providers to the financial breaking point are bad public policy,” said Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, NCPA executive vice president and CEO. “If that happens, Medicaid patients would likely lose access to prescriptions drugs and seek more expensive healthcare options like doctor’s offices and emergency rooms, or even possible hospitalization if their health deteriorates enough. That’s why NCPA joins the Mississippi Independent Pharmacies Association in opposing Mississippi’s plan to dramatically cut pharmacy reimbursements.”