According to a recent survey of independent pharmacists, 93.2% of respondents have already decided not to participate in the program or are considering doing so, according to a Jan. 27 NCPA news release shared with Becker’s.
The survey also found that 60.4% of independent pharmacists are considering not stocking one or more of the first 10 drugs listed in the program, while 32.8% have already decided against stocking them.
In addition, 96.5% of independent pharmacists reported that reimbursement rates from pharmacy benefit managers and Medicare Part D plans are jeopardizing the financial health of their businesses. Many respondents reported receiving payments below the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost for a significant portion of Medicare Part D prescriptions, exacerbating the financial strain.
In an email shared with Becker’s, CMS stated, “HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case by case basis.”
