The case for medication therapy management (MTM) got a nice boost this morning in the form of a joint op-ed published in the emerging online policy news platform Morning Consult.
Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation adds an important dimension to the issue by demonstrating the consequences of medication non-adherence on patients with a specific condition…
Penned by Arthritis Foundation President and CEO Ann Palmer and NACDS President & CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, the article illustrates broad patient advocacy and legislative support for the pharmacist-provided service, which has proven results in reducing long term healthcare expenses and improving patient outcomes.
Partnering with the Arthritis Foundation adds an important dimension to the issue by demonstrating the consequences of medication non-adherence on patients with a specific condition, in this case rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some medications are highly effective in treating the disorder and can even stop its progress, but not taking the medications can leave patients severely debilitated and in chronic pain.
Citing the $290 billion annual cost of medication non-adherence, the article points to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ innovative pilot, which would allow Medicare Part D plans to implement better strategies and more tailored services to meet patients’ needs. NACDS has voiced support for the CMS model to Congress, saying it presents an opportunity for better alignment among stakeholders that would improve patient access to MTM services.
The CMS pilot is scheduled to begin in January 2017, and CMS will evaluate the results of new approaches to MTM over the course of five years. NACDS has urged lawmakers to continue to search for innovative approaches to improving the MTM program leading up to the pilot’s inception.
The article also noted that current bipartisan, NACDS-backed MTM legislation in the Senate would expand the number of Medicare beneficiaries that qualify for pharmacist-provided MTM services. Discussion is ongoing in the House on similar legislation.
MTM continues to gain support and momentum—which is good news for the patients who can benefit most from the service.
