GPhA Praises Senate Passage Of The Medicare Improvements For Patients And Providers Act, USA

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Article Date: 11 Jul 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) President and CEO Kathleen Jaeger released the following statement on U.S. Senate passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R.6331). The legislation will postpone cuts in the Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) and the publication of AMP data, giving Congress more time to determine how to reform the Medicaid payment system. It also includes e-prescribing provisions that will help to reduce medical errors and save lives.

"We commend the Senate, particularly Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, for passing this much-needed, bipartisan legislation. Thanks to their efforts, consumers will continue to have access to safe, effective and affordable generic medicines.

"By delaying the AMP provisions, this legislation will ensure that patients struggling with their prescription drug costs will not be harmed in the process. Providing Congress with more time to create a fair and rational reimbursement system for retail pharmacies participating in the Medicaid program is critical to ensuring patients have the medicines they need.

"We're also pleased that the legislation includes e-prescribing provisions. E-prescribing will save lives and save the health care system billions of dollars through reductions in adverse drug events and increased formulary compliance, including higher rates of generic substitution."

GPhA represents the manufacturers and distributors of finished generic pharmaceuticals, manufacturers and distributors of bulk active pharmaceutical chemicals, and suppliers of other goods and services to the generic drug industry. Generics represent 65% of the total prescriptions dispensed in the United States, but only 20% of all dollars spent on prescription drugs.

Generic Pharmaceutical Association