In push for MTM, Kerr hosts senator

RALEIGH, N.C. Extending pharmacy’s grassroots outreach to powerful federal lawmakers, Kerr Drug hosted Sen. Kay Hagan for a pharmacy and health center tour that drew praise from the North Carolina democrat.

Hagan toured the patient care area of a Kerr drug store in the company's home market, and used the opportunity to talk with patients and pharmacists about the value of pharmacy-based clinical care, and to praise the skills of pharmacists in improving patient care and controlling health costs. During her visit, Hagan also promoted the expansion of medication therapy management services to Medicare Part D recipients.

Hagan is a co-sponsor of S.3543, The Medication Therapy Management Expanded Benefits Act of 2010. The bill — a similar version of which has been introduced in the House of Representatives — would expand MTM coverage to any senior suffering from any chronic condition that accounts for high spending in the healthcare system. Hagan also worked to include an MTM provision in the new healthcare-reform bill, creating a grant program to promote MTM services.

“The most effective and cost-efficient way to ensure seniors take their medication properly is through the counseling of a pharmacist,” said the lawmaker during her tour. “The evidence shows pharmacists can improve patient health and save healthcare dollars because pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare provider for patients.”

Added Kerr chairman and CEO Tony Civello, “We know that for every $1 invested in MTM, overall healthcare costs are reduced by $8 or more. Sen. Hagan understands that value. Pharmacy is evolving to a more patient-centered focus as patients and providers realize the value of pharmacy in improving health care.”