Prompt Payment Legislation

Late Medicare Part D payments have forced independent pharmacies to borrow tens of thousands of dollars every month to cover payroll, wholesaler bills, and other basic operating costs.

HR1474 was just introduced to the the House by Congressman Berry (AR), Jones (NC), Herseth (SD), and Wicker (SD), which is the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007. The plan calls for a 14 day turn around interval for payment (much like Medicaid) and would be very beneficial to ALL pharmacies!!!!! We should urge Congressman Rehberg to co-sponsor HR1474

1. Tell Rehberg's staff that prompt payment legislation is critical so that pharmacists providing care to Part D patients are reimbursed in a timely fashion. Right now, the federal government pays the prescription drug plans up front, and they in turn retain this money for as long as possible, making interest on taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, community pharmacies are forced to borrow tens of thousands of dollars in order to bank the Part D program. Unless something is done soon, patient access to community pharmacy is going to be seriously jeopardized.
2. Tell Rehberg's staff that immediate action is needed to ensure our independent pharmacists are not forced out of business by low and slow reimbursement.
3. Urge Rehberg to Co-Sponsor HR1474 and see where he stands on this issue.

You may use this link to contact Rehberg, or call his offices at (406) 256-1019.

Thanks to NCPA for awareness on this issue.