NCPA places support behind Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday expressed its support behind the Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act (S. 1935). 

The legislation would allow independent community pharmacies to provide same-day delivery of diabetes testing supplies to Medicare beneficiaries and was introduced by Senss Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and John Thune, R-S.D. 

Since July 1, 2013 community pharmacies have been banned from delivering DTS to beneficiaries, including those who are homebound or in long-term care or assisted living facilities. 

“This winter has already brought sub-zero temperatures and perilous traveling and walking conditions to parts of the country,” stated NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey. “Pharmacists have reported cases of seniors going out in hazardous circumstances and risking a debilitating fall or other accident to obtain diabetes testing supplies because the local pharmacy can no longer deliver them. Now more than ever, Congress should scrap this indefensible delivery ban. We thank Sens. Moran and Thune for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this budget-neutral legislation.”

In July 2013, Rep. Peter Welch,D-Vt., introduced similar legislation in the House – The Diabetic Testing Supply Access Act (H.R. 2845).