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Welcome to the APA Website!
Health Care Reform
NCPA Statement on House Democrats' draft proposal for Health Care Reform.
Walgreens and Medicaid Prescriptions in Delaware
Walgreen will no longer accept Medicaid in Delaware
Lowering Drug Costs
FTC: Banning "pay-to-delay" deals would cut drug costs.
NCPA Statement on Medicare Part D Cost-Savings Plan
Drugmakers to pay certain costs in Medicare Part D
Biotech Drugs
White House proposes 7-year protection for brand-name biotech drugs.
Lawmakers argue over market exclusivity for biotech drugs
Zicam
FDA: Zicam might cause users to lose sense of smell.
DMEPOS Accreditation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Round One Rebid of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), including the general timeline for opening the bid window in the fall of this year.
CMS will now begin general “pre-bidding” supplier awareness and education efforts on key steps suppliers need to take now to be ready for registration and bidding including getting appropriate State licenses, updating Medicare enrollment files with the National Supplier Clearinghouse and getting accredited and bonded. On June 4, 2009, CMS will convene a meeting of the DMEPOS competitive bidding Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC) before announcing the detailed timeline for the program in the summer. The bidder registration period is expected to begin this summer before bidding opens in the fall.
CMS has made a number of process improvements for the Round One Rebid, such as an upgraded on-line bid submission system, early bidder education, and increased oversight of bidders that are new to product categories or competitive bidding areas to ensure they meet CMS’ requirements.
From a beneficiary standpoint, there will be no immediate effect on the Medicare DMEPOS benefit and Medicare beneficiaries may continue to use their current DMEPOS suppliers at this time.
Additional information on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program is available at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/01_overview.asp#TopOfPage
Fact Sheet
Press Release
CMS Provides Guidance on DMEPOS Accreditation for Pharmacy Suppliers…No delay – get accredited NOW
DMEPOS Accreditation Deadline Reminder
NCPA Statement on Senate Introduction of DME Accreditation Legislation
Medicaid Cuts
Pharmacy groups appeal to Congress for permanent relief from Medicaid cuts.
UPDATE on SWINE FLU
CDC: 600M doses of swine flu vaccine might be needed for campaign.
Pharmacists, retail clinicians weigh in on swine flu.
Message from CMS Regarding Swine Flu
The federal and state governments continue to monitor the status of swine flu throughout the U.S and Arkansas. To date, there have been no cases reported in Arkansas. Two currently available antivirals, Tamiflu and Relenza both seem to be effective against the H1N1 strain of the swine flu. Please do not make an attempt to order excessive quantities of these products from your wholesaler, as this may precipitate a shortage. APA has learned that wholesalers are currently limiting purchases to 3 units per week with a max of 12 units per month. Please take note, the National Strategic Drug Stockpile has over 40 million doses of antivirals in storage in the event of a nationwide outbreak. APA will keep you posted as more information becomes available.
CMS E-Prescribing
CMS E-Prescribing Web page.
The Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA) was founded in 1882 as the professional association for the profession of pharmacy in Arkansas. The Association represents over 2,000 members consisting of pharmacists, pharmacy students and members of the industry who support the objectives of the Association. Members are kept abreast of pertinent healthcare issues and trends through the quarterly journal, newsletters and the APA web page. APA also provides its members with opportunities for professional growth through continuing education programs, District Meetings and an Annual State Convention. Legislative advocacy at both the state and federal levels are another important focus of APA. Overall, the Arkansas Pharmacists Association strives to enhance the practice of pharmacy and to improve public health through rational cost-effective drug therapy and outcomes-oriented drug therapy management.
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