Washington, DC; 05.03.04 — Mark Merritt, President of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement. PCMA is the national association representing pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs):

“Beginning today, millions of Medicare beneficiaries across the country will have the opportunity to enroll in Medicare-sponsored prescription drug discount cards providing meaningful discounts, improved quality and safety, and access to tens of thousands of neighborhood and mail-service pharmacies. For low-income Medicare beneficiaries, the new drug discount card will provide a $600 annual subsidy to help them purchase their needed medicines. This subsidy will be a lifeline for millions of seniors and disabled Americans and enable them to stretch scarce dollars for use in other areas, including rent, utilities, and groceries.

“Amidst the ongoing political debate surrounding Medicare, there is one central fact that no one can escape: PBM-sponsored Medicare drug discount cards will help seniors save money. According to a PCMA survey of PBMs participating in the discount card program, seniors are likely to see average discounts of 17 percent for brand-name drugs and 35 percent for generic drugs, compared to what seniors with no drug coverage would pay at the retail pharmacy counter. For beneficiaries choosing the mail-service pharmacy option, the discounts will be even more meaningful.

“Seniors without drug coverage today pay some of the highest drug prices of all Americans at the retail pharmacy counter. For some politicians to attack the one program â?? here and now â?? that will provide seniors with meaningful assistance to lower the cost of their prescription drugs is reckless and a disservice to seniors. America’s seniors and disabled beneficiaries deserve better.”

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The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) is the national trade association representing America’s pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs). PCMA member companies provide pharmaceutical care management services to more than 200 million Americans.

Contact Information:
Phil Blando
202-207-3614