Support Picks Up for Legislation to Open Preferred Networks

Seven House members are now signed on to bipartisan legislation designed to bring fairness to preferred networks for pharmacies and patients. Initiated by Reps. Griffith (R-Va.) and Welch (Vt.) on May 6, now they have been joined on H.R. 4577 by Reps. Bishop (D-Ga.), Jones (R-N.C.), Massie (R-Ky.), Roe (R-Tenn.), and Ryan (D-Ohio). The Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act would allow any pharmacy located in a health professional shortage area or medically underserved community and willing to accept the contractual terms and conditions to participate as a preferred pharmacy in Medicare Part D plans. This is an important first step towards providing fairness and enhanced access for seniors to pharmacies of their choice. Contact your member of Congress and ask them to cosponsor the bill, particularly since in the final rule CMS did not revisit opening up preferred networks to any willing pharmacy as it earlier had proposed.