PCMA: Even Greater Savings Opportunities Available with

Mail-Service Pharmacies, E-Prescribing, and Biogenerics 

(Washington, DC)-The widespread use of generic prescription drugs and other proven pharmacy benefit management tools in Medicare Part D has resulted in the program coming in 30 percent under original budget projections.  However, even greater savings opportunities are available for the program, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) said today.

“In a time of economic turmoil and massive government deficits, the Medicare prescription drug benefit offers one example of a government program that is actually saving money,” said PCMA President and CEO Mark Merritt. “The program can save even more in years to come if more consumers use cost-saving mail-service pharmacies, if more physicians use e-prescribing technology, and if Congress passes legislation enabling the FDA to approve generic versions of expensive biotech medicines.  Congress must also resist new initiatives that would actually increase drugs costs, such as the proposal to give white collar pharmacists the right to collectively bargain for higher prices.”

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PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which administer prescription drug plans for more than 210 million Americans with health coverage provided through Fortune 500 employers, health insurance plans, labor unions, and Medicare Part D.