New Mexico state senate passes dispensing fee legislation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The New Mexico state senate this week passed the Prescription Drug Reimbursement Act, SB 425, designed to ensure adequate reimbursement for pharmacy services and preserve patient access to medications.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, and cosponsored by Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming. It directs the Secretary of Human Services to review and adjust the dispensing fee for Medicaid pharmacies based upon average pharmacy operational costs.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores applauded the law, which passed unanimously Tuesday evening in the Public Affairs Committee. “New Mexico pharmacies are a crucial part of the healthcare system, providing medications and valuable counseling on adherence and drug interactions,” stated Dale Tinker, executive director of the New Mexico Pharmacists Association. “Pharmacists are dedicated to serving Medicaid patients, and we thank Sen. Lopez, Sen. Smith, and Chairwoman Dede Feldman [D-Albuquerque] for their leadership on this legislation.”

In New Mexico, the average cost of dispensing a prescription is $9.95, according to a 2007 study by Grant Thornton LLP. The current dispensing fee in New Mexico is $3.65, NACDS reported.

“The unanimous passage of this bill is a great step forward. NACDS applauds the Public Affairs Committee for their commitment to preserving patient access and ensuring adequate reimbursement for pharmacy services,” said NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson. “We urge the full Senate to pass SB 425, and we encourage Governor Richardson’s administration to support this measure.”