Lawmakers push for transition period to implement AMP-based FULs

ARLINGTON, Va. — Sixty-four members of the U.S. Senate and the House asked Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to adopt at least a one-year transition period for states to implement the April 2015 average manufacturer price based federal upper limits. In a statement, National Association of Chain Drug Stores commended Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) and Reps. Chris Collins (R-NY) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA) for leading the way. 

 

According to NACDS, senators urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services to preserve access to important prescription medications for Medicaid patients by supporting “proper and accurate reimbursement for retail community pharmacies that dispense prescription drugs to Medicaid beneficiaries, and ensuring that state Medicaid programs have sufficient time to implement federal regulatory changes.”

 

CMS announced a delay in the implementation of AMP-based FULs last June. Last November, CMS said that at the same time the “Final Rule on Medicaid Covered Outpatient Drugs” is released, it plans to finalize the new FULs and guidance to states for implementing those FULs. In their letter, lawmakers stressed the need for at least a one-year period to help states meet the requirements of the final rule.  

 

“States need time to pass drug reimbursement changes through their legislatures, particularly in light of the fact that a number of state legislatures end their sessions in spring or early summer every year. States will also need sufficient time to conduct cost-of-dispensing studies to allow for the calculation of fair pharmacy reimbursement, as well as time needed to file State Plan Amendments to make adjustments in light of the new FULs,” the House letter stated. 

 

NACDS president and CEO Steven Anderson expressed his appreciation to the lawmakers in signing the letters: “The implementation of these AMP-based FULs poses great concern for pharmacy patient care. And we appreciate the recognition by U.S. Senators and Representatives of the need for an adequate transition period so that states have an opportunity to make an effective transition to help preserve access to pharmacy services for low-income Americans.”