Health Reform
Health Insurance Exchanges
A priority for the National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA) is to closely monitor the impacts to the entire NCPA membership during the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which was signed into law last year. A key component of the PPACA is the implementation of state based Health Insurance Exchanges. The proposed goal for these Exchanges is to offer Americans competition, and a level and transparent playing field to choose an ideal insurance option from. When completed a state exchange should be a centralized system where individuals, families and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance.
Each state must have an operational exchange by 2014. If a particular state does not appear to be on schedule for reaching this requirement the federal government reserves the authority to step in and operate an exchange under its own preferences. As of August 2011 states reported a range of progress regarding their implementation of Health Information Exchanges. This range represents those states with enacted Exchanges established to those states without any notable action.
States have much latitude in the way these exchanges are developed but all states must follow some federal guidelines. NCPA understands that this development must be monitored carefully to insure the interest of community pharmacy is taken into consideration.
The following links will take you to an overview of the relevant issues surrounding the state exchanges, an NCPA model state exchange act that addresses key pharmacy concerns as well as comments submitted to OCIIO by NCPA regarding the exchanges.
- NCPA, NACDS, APhA Comments to FDA Regarding Biosimilars PDF (43k)
- NCPA Letter to CMS Regarding CMS-9982-P. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Summary of Benefits and Coverage and the Uniform Glossary PDF (101k)
- Model State Exchange Act (Pharmacy Provisions) PDF (135k)
- State Exchange Facts PDF (13k)
- Request for Comments Regarding Exchange-Related Provisions in Title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act PDF (378k)
Take Action
- Contact a Member of CongressSend a letter to your Federal Representatives and Senators, asking them to take a specific action on legislation
- Contact a State LegislatorSend a letter to your state representatives, asking them to take a specific action on legislation
- Current Pharmacy Priority Bills and CosponsorsRead the bills that NCPA is advocating in Congress and see whether your Members of Congress have yet to sign in support
- Host a Pharmacy VisitIf you would like to host a pharmacy visit, you can contact the elected officials' district office and extend an invitation for the official to tour your pharmacy.
- Submit a Letter to the EditorMake your community know about your support for a particular legislator or specific legislation by publishing a "letter to the editor" in your local newspaper
- Congressional Pharmacy CaucusIndependent community pharmacies face enormous challenges in maintaining their economic viability because of unfair standards for PBM audits of pharmacies
- Contribute to the NCPA PACThe NCPA Political Action Committee, NCPAPAC, works to build a "community pharmacy majority" on Capitol Hill by supporting the re-election of our friends and allies in Congress. Thanks to dedicated support from our members, NCPAPAC has grown to be the largest pharmacy organization PAC, and is among the top 40 association PACs nationwide. Only dues-paid NCPA Members may contribute from personal funds only. NCPA Members can contribute to the NCPA PAC, which helps to financially support candidates for Federal office that support the views of community pharmacy.
- Contribute to Legislative/Legal Defense FundThis vital resource is the war chest for our government affairs efforts. The LDF supports grassroots advocacy, outreach, independent research and litigation. NCPA Members and non-members may contribute personal or corporate fundsContribute to the Legislative Defense Fund, which helps to support legal and legislative actions on behalf of community pharmacy. Members and non-members can contribute.
- Fight 4RxHelp engage your patients in the fight for access to products and services from community pharmacies and against mandatory or coerced mail order
- State LegislationState Related Information
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