Published On: June 7, 2019379 words2.2 min readCategories: ArticleTags: , , ,

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Pharmacy DIR Fee Loophole Must Close NACDS RxIMPACT Urges

DIR fee relief is motivating a record-breaking NACDS RxIMPACT Congressional letter-writing campaign. The effort to end the abuse of pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees includes three focuses right now. Specifically, pharmacy advocates are 1) encouraging U.S. Senators and Representatives to cosponsor the Phair Pricing Act (H.R. 1034/S. 640); 2) boosting signatures on a letter from U.S. Senators to the Trump Administration; and 3) boosting signatures on a similar letter from U.S. House members.

DIR Fee Relief Legislation Urged by 6,000 Letters

For DIR fee relief, NACDS pledged the largest RxIMPACT effort ever. So, that is exactly what is happening. Already, staff from nearly 70 NACDS-member companies, from all 50 states, have reached 90 percent of the U.S. Congress with more than 6,000 letters. They are urging U.S. Senators and Representatives to cosponsor DIR fee relief legislation (H.R. 1034/S. 640). Certainly, this is essential for encouraging inclusion of DIR fee relief in a drug-pricing bill that could advance through Congress this year.

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One-quarter of Senate Signs DIR Fee Letter to Administration

Further, as part of the NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots push over the past week, and in collaboration with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), pharmacy advocates urged their Senators to sign onto a letter organized by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Jon Tester (D-MT). The letter to the Trump Administration expresses disappointment that the recent Medicare rule does not include DIR fee relief. Above all, it urges collaboration to accomplish such relief soon. The letter – which will be finalized soon – will include approximately one-quarter of the U.S. Senate. In addition to maintaining any opportunities that exist for a regulatory approach, the letter is key in that it plays a role in solidifying Administration support for DIR fee relief through legislation.

The Latest: House DIR Fee Letter Now in Focus

Similar to the DIR fee relief letter taking shape in the U.S. Senate, recruitment is underway right now to boost the signers of a U.S. House of Representatives letter to the Administration. This letter is being led by U.S. Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA). However, time is of the essence as the letter is expected to close June 10.

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