MPA Appreciates Congressional Votes to
Pass Medicare Improvement Act & Override Veto
Bill Includes Key Pharmacy Provisions
(July 2008)

Members of the Montana Pharmacy Association (MPA) and pharmacy professionals across the country thank members of Congress for voting in support of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331).  The bill even survived a Presidential veto when both Houses of Congress submitted the necessary votes to override the veto.  As a result the bill is now law.  

All three members of the Montana Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Max Baucus, U.S. Senator Jon Tester and Congressman Denny Rehberg consistently supported the bill and MPA has contacted each representative to express our sincere thanks.  In particular we acknowledged U.S. Senator Max Baucus for his leadership in pushing the bill forward as Chairman of the powerful U.S. Senate Finance Committee and for his unwavering support in helping secure passage of this legislation.

H.R. 6331 is a highly important federal policy initiative that will work to delay physician payment cuts in the Medicare program and includes many critical pharmacy provisions that ensures better patient access to pharmacist services.

MPA and other national pharmacy associations pushed hard for the passage of H.R. 6331 because the bill included key provisions to improve patient access such as:

• Delays implementation of Medicaid's Average Manufacturers Price (AMP) reimbursement formula until October 1, 2009;
• Requires prompt payment of Medicare Part D claims.  Provision goes into effect 1/1/2010.
• Delays implementation of Round 1 of Medicare's durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program. CMS clarifies the Sept. 30, 2009 deadline previously established for all DMEPOS suppliers to be accredited is still in effect.
• Requires weekly updating of Medicare prescription drug pricing.

MPA wants to commend Tobey Schule for his hard work as Chair of our Legislative/Policy Committee on this legislation and we thank the many  members who sent e-mails and letters to urge passage of H.R. 6331.