Coalition Applauds CMS Action Prohibiting Use of Prorated or Daily Dispensing Fees, Incentivizing More Efficient Drug Dispensing Techniques

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition (SCPC) today applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for finalizing a long-awaited rule prohibiting the use of prorated or daily dispensing fees (DDF) by Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.  The rule was initially contained in a larger package of Medicare Part D reforms released in January 2014. While many of those reforms were subsequently withdrawn, CMS preserved the option of finalizing the DDF prohibition. CMS previously had expressed strong opposition to DDFs in communications to plan sponsors and Congress, and today's action signals the culmination of a two-year effort to end the practice.  The new rule would take effect January 1, 2016.    

"The SCPC applauds CMS' determination to protect vulnerable seniors, stand up for the professional services offered by LTC pharmacies, and to reduce waste in Medicare," said Alan Rosenbloom, President and CEO of the SCPC. "By prohibiting the use of DDFs and incentivizing more efficient drug dispensing techniques, CMS ensures that LTC pharmacies will receive the professional fee that appropriately recognizes all of the unique activities related to filling a LTC prescription and the value of those services to quality care -- regardless of the quantity of medication dispensed."

Rosenbloom says the SCPC will continue to analyze the CMS action over the weekend and comment with additional detail as warranted.

SOURCE Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED