(Washington, DC)— PCMA President Mark Merritt issued the following statement regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) announcement today about the prescription drug plan choices available to Medicare beneficiaries in 2006:

“Today’s announcement by CMS is a turning point for America’s seniors and disabled beneficiaries. For the first time ever, all seniors will have access to a wide range of health plan choices providing integrated prescription drug coverage.

“America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are proud to play a central role in administering this new benefit. In the commercial marketplace, PBMs have a proven record of negotiating deep discounts for purchasers and helping to expand consumers’ access to a wide range of clinically proven, cost-effective prescription drugs.

“In the coming year and beyond, PCMA looks forward to working closely with beneficiaries, CMS, and others to ensure that Medicare builds on PBMs’ record in the commercial marketplace.”

PCMA is the national association representing America’s pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs administer prescription drug plans for 200 million Americans with drug coverage provided through health insurance plans, employers, labor unions, and other purchasers.

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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