Tag: NCPA
NCPA sues HHS over fees
January 18, 2021HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over direct and indirect remuneration fees that it says are driving small business neighborhood pharmacies out of business. The lawsuit alleges that the fees are without reasonable transparency, and they conceal from patients and taxpayers the true cost of prescription drugs. “Pharmacy clawbacks are fundamentally dishonest...
In brief: Lower premiums, NMEDA training, Rehab Medical’s expansion
October 23, 2020HME News Staff
WASHINGTON – Premiums for HealthCare.gov plans are lower for the third consecutive year, according to a new report from CMS.
The average premium for the second lowest silver plan, or benchmark plan, on the federal health care insurance exchanges dropped by 2% for the 2021 coverage year, the report shows.
“Our changes to the regulations and how we have managed the exchanges have proven to be more effective than previous administrations,” said CMS Administrator Seema...
Community Rx ready to provide coronavirus vaccinations
September 2, 2020HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Eighty-six percent of community pharmacists say they plan to offer coronavirus vaccines when then hit the marketplace, according to a new survey by the National Community Pharmacists Association. Twelve percent of community pharmacists say they want more information before they decide. “Community pharmacists are already doing immunizations, so this is a natural expansion of the health care services they're already providing,” said B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA, CEO...
HME providers, community pharmacists seek recognition
July 31, 2020Theresa Flaherty, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - HME providers and community pharmacists have continued to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic - and like other health care providers, they want to be recognized for that. The National Community Pharmacists Association recently launched the “Essential” Campaign to keep up the pressure on lawmakers for relief, including hazard pay, says Douglas Hoey, CEO. “Pharmacists have been there since the beginning of this and we need recognition and relief for...
Business changes due to COVID-19 will 'outlast disease,' survey says
June 3, 2020HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Sixty one percent of community pharmacists expect to offer point-of-care testing for various illnesses, including COVID-19 when it becomes available, according to a new survey from the National Community Pharmacists Association. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they didn't offer this testing prior to the pandemic. “Pharmacies have adapted to the crisis in ways that may outlast the disease,” said Brian Caswell, president of the NCPA and owner of Wolkar Drug....
In brief: AAHomecare comments on IFR, NSM buys CRT-supplies combo
May 29, 2020HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - AAHomecare has submitted its comments on an Interim Final Rule that provides relief for suppliers treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association thanked CMS for its efforts and recommended further clarification and additional regulatory relief, including clarifying when an initial sleep study is not required, suspending the enforcement of clinical conditions for coverage of hospital beds, and postponing the implementation of Round 2021 of the competitive bidding program.HHS...
NCPA lauds new pilot program for COVID testing
May 27, 2020HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, N.Y. - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a new pilot program that involves independent pharmacies conducting up to 7,000 COVID-19 tests per week. The National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents more than 21,000 independent pharmacies across the country, applauded the program, which is being coordinated with the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York and with the state's network of CPESN clinically integrated pharmacies. “Ramping up COVID-19 testing...
NCPA launches two campaigns
April 30, 2020HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association has launched Fight4Rx to alert patients to the growing risk that their neighborhood pharmacy may close, not because of the coronavirus pandemic but because of what it calls “excessive profiteering.” The group says PMBs contribute to higher costs for patients, limit pharmacy choice and, in some cases, deny coverage for needed medications. “PBM policies are a leading reason why pharmacies have been closing at a rate...
NCPA urges other states to follow New York's lead
April 28, 2020HME News Staff
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents more than 21,000 independent pharmacies across the country, lauds New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for authorizing independent pharmacies to serve as COVID-19 test centers. “We are deeply grateful to Gov. Cuomo for enlisting independent pharmacies in the fight against the pandemic,” said CEO B. Douglas Hoey. “Local pharmacies in New York and every state have been fighting for the authority to do testing...
NCPA calls on CMS to recognize pharmacists as care providers
January 22, 2020HME News Staff
WASHINGTON - The National Community Pharmacists Association is urging CMS to recognize pharmacist services beyond dispensing of medications.The comments are in response to a call from CMS, which sought input on eliminating certain Medicare regulations that require more stringent supervision than existing state laws.“Community pharmacists are among America's most accessible health care providers, seeing complex patients an average of 35 times each year,” says Ronna Hauser, NCPA's vice...