The US Senate introduced their mash-up of the Senate Finance and Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pension (HELP) pieces of health care legislation this past Wednesday.
The Congressional Budget Office stated the bill will cost $848 billion over 10 years and will provide coverage to an additional 31 million Americans. It is said to also reduce the Federal deficit by $130 billion after 10 years.
The Senate plans to vote Saturday, where they hope to achieve a filibuster-proof 60 votes.
So what pharmacy provisions survived the merger? (courtesy Nicole Schultz at IPA)
- Changes the FUL to 175% of the weitghted average of the most recent AMP;
- Exempts pharmacies from DMEPOS accreditation requirements that have not had a fraudulent claim in 5 years and that do 5% or less Medicare DME of their total prescription drug sales;
- Develops new patient care models including the creation of Accountable Care Organizations and a Medical Home demonstration program;
- Establishes a Medicare coverage gap discount program;
- Establishes a Medication Therapy Management grant program for the treatment of chronic disease;
- Establishes the National Health Care Workforce Commission; and
- Implements PBM transparency measures
Contact Senator Tom Harkin and Senator Chuck Grassley to make your voice heard about the Senate health care reform bill. Find their contact information using the links listed to the right.
Read the APhA unofficial summary of the merged Senate bills.
Browse the full text here.
IPA's Eye On Health Care Reform 
