CMS Issues "Tamper Proof" Prescription Pad Requirement Update for April 1st (click here)

NIPC Opens New Offices in Nashville

The National Independent Pharmacy Coalition is proud to announce the opening of our new location in Nashville, Tennessee. The new offices are located at 557 B Stewarts Ferry Pike in Nashville. NIPC's toll free telephone number remains 1-866-664-NIPC. Our fax number is 1-877-876-5457.

TennCare Selects New PBM

The TennCare Bureau has announced that the winner of a competitive bid process for a new PBM for the TennCare pharmacy program is SXC. The three-year, $35 million contract will begin on October 1, 2008. For more details (click here).

AMP Rule Delayed Indefinitely

The Bush administration has decided not to appeal U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth's ruling (December 14, 2007) that stopped CMS from posting generic drug AMP prices on the internet and stopped CMS from implementing AMP-based reimbursement for generic drugs dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries as planned on January 30, 2008. The court will review the AMP payment plan during the injunction time period to determine the merits of the NCPA/NACDS lawsuit. The CMS-proposed AMP reimbursement methodology would have paid pharmacies, on average, 36% below cost for generic drugs provided to Medicaid patients.

Pharmacists need to continue to encourage their respresentatives in the U.S House and Senate to support of H.R. 3140, H.R. 3700 and S. 1951 for a more permanent solution to the AMP issue. For contact information of your House and Senate members click here.

Your Patients Can Help Make a Permament AMP Fix Happen

Your House and Senate members also need to hear from your patients. The CMS-proposed AMP reimbursement plan will definitely have a huge impact on access to quality pharmacy care if allowed to be implemented. Please encourage (and help) your patients to view http://www.fight4rx.org/ for information on how they too can help fight AMP and assure continued quality pharmacy care access across the nation.

NIPC - A New Era and a New Direction - Join Us!

All Pharmacies are Welcome to Join the New Era!

It is my privilege to welcome new and veteran members of the National Independent Pharmacy Coalition (NIPC) to an exciting new era in independent pharmacy practice. NIPC is led by a Board of Directors comprised of practicing independent pharmacists who have volunteered to monitor the economic and political environment that affects your store and your ability to care for your patients and community. Unlike state associations, which represent the broader profession of pharmacy, such as hospital, chain and academic practitioners, and unlike buying groups, which represent only their participating customers, NIPC focuses solely on economic, political and legislative issues that affect you—the independent pharmacist.

As one of the most trusted professions in America today, independent pharmacists enjoy the respect and confidence of their communities. Patients seek your health care counsel and savor your personal attention and expertise. NIPC is working to help elected officials understand and appreciate independent pharmacy; both as a valuable health care provider and as an influential political figure.