Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt issued the following statement regarding the Senate Finance Committee health care “mark” released today by Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.):

“PCMA supports Chairman Baucus’ continuing efforts to find common ground and advance bipartisan legislation. We look forward to reviewing Chairman Baucus’ proposal in greater detail and working constructively with the Finance Committee. In particular, we are encouraged that the Finance Committee’s prescription-drug provisions appear to sustain the proven PBM delivery model. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have played a central role in driving down prescription-drug trend by 73 percent from 1999 to 2007 and we believe this model should be supported and expanded in any reform legislation that advances.”

“America’s PBMs are committed to helping policymakers advance meaningful health care legislation that expands coverage, reduces costs, and improves quality throughout the system. As part of this effort, PCMA believes strongly that any credible reform legislation must recognize and enhance the value that an integrated pharmacy benefit can provide to all Americans. Expanded pharmacy choices, greater flexibility in benefit design, and new generic alternatives - including biogenerics - are all critical components of a modernized health care system.”

PCMA represents the nation’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which improve affordability and quality of care through the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), generic alternatives, mail-service pharmacies, and other innovative tools for 200-plus million Americans.

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Contacts:

Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA)
Charles Coté, 202-207-3605