The American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, applauds President Bush for his support for making prescription medications available to more older Americans.
In his January 28, 2003, State of the Union address, the President said, "Health care reform must begin with Medicare; Medicare is the binding commitment of a caring society. We must renew that commitment by giving seniors access to the preventive medicine and new drugs that are transforming health care in America." The President pledged that the budget his administration plans to submit to Congress "will commit an additional $400 billion over the next decade to reform and strengthen Medicare."
According to APhA Executive Vice President John A. Gans, PharmD, "The President's commitment to adding coverage for prescription medication to Medicare is a most positive step." Noting that pharmacists' central concern is improving medication use, Gans urged the Administration and Congress to work together this year to ensure seniors' access to the medications they need.
"Coordination of care is critical," Gans said. "Pharmacists are the medication experts on America's health care team. We need a rational approach to ensuring that Americans have access to the medications they need as well as to the pharmacist services to help them make the best use of those medications. Just look at the positive impact pharmacist care has had on our nation's 1.6 million seniors who reside in nursing homes. Since the 1970's, federally mandated monthly medication therapy reviews by pharmacists have improved therapeutic outcomes. These reviews save the healthcare system close to $3.6 billion per year--but seniors who live outside of nursing homes do not receive these services. Something is wrong with this picture--We pay to diagnose a senior's condition, but then we don't cover the treatment he or she needs. Let's change the picture."
Gans stated, "A Medicare pharmacy benefit must include real coverage, not just discounts. Patients need to know that the pharmacist-provided medication therapy management services they need will be covered. They should feel confident in having a choice of providers. If we can ease patients' and providers' paperwork burden, we'll also improve older Americans' access to care."
"We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress this year on meaningful Medicare reform," Gans stated. "A Medicare prescription medication benefit will not only help us move closer to becoming the caring society the President envisions, but will save taxpayer dollars. When we improve medication use, overall healthcare costs go down."
APhA represents more than 50,000 members, including practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession.
RSS