Recently, a petition asking the Executive Branch of our government to look at the business practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers was started on Whitehouse.gov. It is entitled:
CMS NEEDS TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY IN ITS ROBUST BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LARGE PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS (PBMS)
Three large PBMs manage prescription drug benefits for more than 180 million Americans. PBMs have clients on two sides – pharmacy clients and health plans/payors (Medicare, DoD TRICARE and FEHBP). They also own their own mail order and/or retail pharmacies and that puts them in direct competition with their small pharmacy clients. This leverage incentivizes them not to reimburse their small pharmacy clients in a fair and timely manner – this is not just and Congress needs to support CMS in their efforts to scrutinize these unfair practices.
These petitions generally require 100,000 verified signatures to move forward. Currently, only 2000 persons have signed.
The wording of the petition is somewhat vague, and it could be stronger and more descriptive. Even so, it is a good start. The Thriving Pharmacist would like to see this petition move forward. I realize that we don’t have 98,000 readers, and even if we did, not every single reader will take the time to complete the process. Despite this, I would like to encourage everyone to take the time to consider signing. Better yet, if you agree, help spread the word! Make your voice heard.
Signing a Whitehouse petition is a two step process that requires a valid e-mail. Once you sign, you must respond to the verification e-mail whitehouse.gov sends you in order for your signature to be accepted.
I look forward to seeing many, many more signatures supporting PBM transparency on this petition. Make this encounter count!