PCMA leader: Generics, mail-order pharmacy help save money

WASHINGTON — Mark Merritt, the president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, responded to a provision on the Pentagon's new budget proposal, which encourages Tricare members to use generic medications and mail-service pharmacies to save money.

Merritt said that "increasing the use of generics and mail-service pharmacies reduces costs and enhances access to prescription drugs for military members and their families," adding that generic drugs have saved the U.S. healthcare system more than $800 billion, and that "mail-service pharmacies lower costs for consumers and payers, make far fewer errors, and increase medication adherence for those suffering from chronic conditions."

PCMA is a group that represents the nation’s pharmacy benefit managers.