Federal Programs
Two Advocacy Opportunities for Independent Pharmacists

TPA urges independent pharmacists to take part in the following important – and time-sensitive – advocacy efforts promoted by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). Register today for the June 24 National Cost of Dispensing Study webinar, and participate in the “Spread the Word” campaign this week!
From NCPA:
2014 National Cost of Dispensing Study Coming – Make Sure You Are Prepared to Respond by Registering for Webinar: Stay tuned for the next national community pharmacy cost of dispensing study to be released in mid-June. The last study was conducted in 2006. Medicaid’s movement toward an acquisition cost system of reimbursement, and CMS’ public posting of a final National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) [http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Benefits/Prescription-Drugs/Survey-of-Retail-Prices.html[]] file, make the timing of this survey critical and we need your help in responding to the survey. The survey will be out in the field soon and the Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action (CCPA) will be hosting an educational webinar to provide an overview of the survey and answer any questions you may have. CCPA is an alliance between the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and NCPA and has contracted with the MPI Group, an independent survey organization, to conduct this survey. Representatives from The MPI Group will conduct the one-hour webinar. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at 12 p.m. ET. Advance registration required – click here to register.
Spread the Word About the Impact of Preferred Pharmacy Networks June 9-13 Using #PharmacyChoice: All this week (June 9-13), NCPA and its members will highlight via social media the negative impact that exclusive Medicare Part D preferred pharmacy networks have on patients and community pharmacies. We will also urge Congress to pass H.R. 4577 to allow willing independent pharmacies in medically underserved areas to participate in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan networks. Please join NCPA in this social media push by tweeting or posting on Facebook and/or Google+ why your organization and its members support pharmacy choice for seniors. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #pharmacychoice in your tweets and posts as we make the case for the value of community pharmacy in improving Medicare patient outcomes and saving taxpayer dollars. Find NCPA on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.