NASPA Submits Comments to FTC Regarding Medication Pricing
NASPA, on behalf of the state pharmacy associations, recently sent the Federal Trade Commission comments regarding their recent “Understanding Competition in Prescription Drug Markets: Entry and Supply Chain Dynamics” workshop. The comments largely focused on the pharmacist’s role in efficient medication selection and use, and the impact of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) on the pharmacy industry:
- Pharmacists contribute to efficient medication selection.
- Pharmacists’ medication management services ensure efficient medication use.
- Patient copayments should not be higher than the price without insurance.
- Consolidation leaves pharmacies without bargaining power and leads to decreased access.
- Lack of transparency results in increased overall costs.