Lanton 

                             GUEST

EDITORIAL

H. D. Smith Voices Support for Federal Pharmacy Bill

H. D. Smith, the fourth largest national pharmaceutical wholesaler, announced its support for H.R. 4199, also known as the PHARMACY Bill. The bill was introduced in Congress in December 2009 and has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees for deliberation. 

The bill, titled Patient Health and Real Medication Access Cost Savings Act of 2009 and introduced by Congressman G. K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), attempts to address issues related to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their influence on customer choice and decision making, which have contributed to rising health care costs.

Specifically, H.R. 4199 seeks to reduce consumers’ dependence on PBMs for medications by encouraging the use of low-cost generic medications; guarantees that PBMs cannot steer patients into mail order pharmacies or pharmacies owned by the PBM; allows for higher reimbursements for pharmacies; and ensures that community pharmacies have a greater opportunity to compete in the marketplace. 

“Many of our pharmacy customers are small business owners that provide a valued service to their communities. Unfortunately, their businesses continue to be impacted by the unchecked practices of PBMs,” said Ron Lanton, Government Affairs Counsel, H. D. Smith. “As their wholesaler, we are taking an active approach to educate officials that more work is needed to ensure the continued success and sustainability of community pharmacies across the country.” 

“H. D. Smith is committed to the fundamental ideal of partnering with community pharmacists to ensure their continued success,” Lanton continued. “Our partnership has grown even stronger as we help them confront today’s challenging political environment. H.R. 4199 represents another opportunity to help protect the noble profession of pharmacy, reduce health care costs and ensure that consumers can exercise their rights in choosing their own pharmacy to fill their prescriptions." 

Headquartered in Springfield, Ill., H. D. Smith is the largest privately held national full-line, full-service wholesaler that provides a complete line of pharmaceuticals, OTCs, HBAs, home health care products, durable medical equipment, seasonal merchandise and a wide array of marketing programs to retail pharmacies, regional chains and health systems. The company has distribution facilities in California, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Texas that service major markets throughout the United States.

 07/17/10 

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