GUILD President George Tambassis last night confirmed that the Guild was currently in discussions with the government about the "risk share" arrangement in the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement, which could see additional dispensing payments made to pharmacists to compensate them for lower than expected script volumes (PD Fri).
The Guild had previously been tight-lipped on the matter, but speaking at the Guild Parliamentary Dinner, Tambassis outlined the issue centred on part of the 6CPA which aims "to ensure that the Government's financial commitment to community pharmacies is delivered in full, but not exceeded.
"Like all risk shares, it cuts both ways...if the prescription volumes in the Agreement are exceeded the government is reimbursed.
"If there is a shortfall, pharmacies are reimbursed".
Reports last week suggested the 6CPA is currently on track for a $500 million underspend because PBS/RPBS volumes were about six million prescriptions lower than 6CPA forecasts - which could equate to a hike of as much as 26c in the dispensing fee.
Negotiations on the issue are ongoing, with PD observing Health Minister Sussan Ley discussing the matter prior to the dinner with Tambassis and Guild National Councillor Trent Twomey (pictured).
In his speech Tambassis described it as a "seminal issue that goes to the heart of why the government and pharmacies have a trust-based agreement that provides financial certainty for both parties.
"I am confident that, in the coming weeks, an agreed resolution will be reached ahead of a January 1 implementation," he concluded.
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