MPA Letter to Congressman Rehberg

November 29, 2007

Rep. Denny Rehberg, Montana
U.S. House of RepresentativesRoom 516
Canon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Rehberg:

I am writing on behalf of the 500 plus members of the Montana Pharmacy Association urge your support for the passage of HR 3700 introduced by Rep Frank Pallone (NJ). This is a companion bill of S. 1951 `Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act of 2007 which was introduced by Senator Max Baucus and co-sponsored by Senator Jon Tester. Passage of this bill is very important right now to community pharmacies in Montana and across the entire country.

Our executive Director, Jim Smith, met with Brent Mead, in September, discussed HR 3700s with him and asked him to request your co-sponsorship of it. Jim tells me that Brent was very informed and knowledgeable about healthcare generally and rural healthcare issues in particular. Your commitment to Montana’s main street pharmacies came across loud and clear from Brent We thank you, for the time and attention you have given to this bill and your continued interest in this profession and its issues.

Since August we have been working with other state and national pharmacy organizations to obtain additional co-sponsors for the legislation. It is imperative to that HR 3700 passes before the year end because, the Deficit Reduction Act, that defines Average Manufacture Price, goes into effect on the first of the year. If this goes into effect, pharmacies will lose, on an average, 28% on any generic medication dispensed.

The healthcare debate continues and the key issues are still cost, quality and access. Our community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers in the country. We still have pharmacies in Baker, Troy, Chinook and many other small and medium sized Montana communities. Thanks for working with us to be sure they are treated fairly so that they can stay in business and continue serving their patients and customers.

James P. Seifert, President
P.O. Box 316
Troy Mt. 59935
(406) 295 4724