NCPA calls for Congressional hearings on DIR practice

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association on Friday requested Congressional hearings on legislation, the Improving Transparency and Accuracy in Medicare Part D Spending Act (S. 413 and H.R. 1038), that would stop the practice of pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fees being applied retroactively under Medicare Part D.



“Retroactive pharmacy DIR fees are creating a system of winners and losers,” stated Douglas Hoey, NCPA CEO. “While pharmacy benefit managers profit, the unpredictable timing and amount of these clawbacks are wreaking financial havoc on pharmacies, seniors and taxpayers," he said.

"NCPA believes these congressional committees should schedule hearings soon on S. 413 and H.R. 1038 to address this unsustainable situation," Hoey added. "By requiring PBMs to divulge the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries at the point of sale, these bills fix a problem even the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services acknowledges has contributed to rising costs in Medicare Part D. A hearing provides the platform for the scrutiny this issue deserves.”



The request was made from NCPA to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and to the chair and ranking members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee, the committees with jurisdiction over this issue.