PHARMACY organisations in the US are petitioning President Donald Trump and Congress, seeking reform of the Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) fee.
DIR fees are charged by insurers (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) to pharmacies, clawing back reimbursement paid for Medicare prescriptions, often over six months after the transaction.
In a joint letter, the National Community Pharmacists' Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, American Pharmacists' Association, National Association of Speciality Pharmacy, Food Marketing Institute and National Grocers Association, called on political powerbrokers to relieve pharmacists and pharmacies of DIR burdens, which have inflated drug costs, while forcing pharmacies to provide Medicare scripts below cost, the groups said.
Recent changes to the scheme did not address "onerous fees that have increased 45,000% since 2010, with no savings passed onto beneficiaries," they wrote.
"This number will continue to grow if these practices are not reformed," they told the President.
The group claimed if a revised policy currently being developed was adopted next year beneficiaries could save between US$7,1 billion and $9.2 billion over 10 years.
The organisations reported that DIR legal loopholes allowed for abuses that have driven costs up for pharmacies and patients.
"We request your immediate help to address DIR reform this year to eliminate practices that drive up patient and government spending.
"We stand ready to work with you and your administration to pursue additional opportunities, such as legislation, to move DIR reform forward," they said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 14 Jun 19
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