2009 Press Releases
NCPA Commends FTC Investigation of CVS Caremark Merger
Alexandria, VA - November 05, 2009
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Executive Vice President and CEO Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, issued the following statement on CVS Caremark's admission today that it is the subject of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation:
"In seeking approval for the CVS Caremark merger, company officials said they would be 'agnostic as to where the consumer fills their prescription'. Since then those words have rung hollow for patients and community pharmacists.
"Patients consistently complain of higher prices, fewer choices and privacy violations. Patients cite steep penalties for choosing other pharmacies, if they're allowed a choice at all. Aggressive marketing tactics tap into vast databases of private medical records. Meaningful competition has been severely diminished.
"Quality of care has also been compromised, particularly for those with acute conditions. Patients report going without needed medicine due slow mail order delivery and the company's refusal to cover an emergency fill at a rival pharmacy. NCPA documented over 300 complaints from patients and pharmacists. But only a robust FTC investigation can uncover the full impact of the merger on patients and competition.
"Community pharmacists commend the FTC, and especially Chairman Liebowitz, for launching this investigation. We also appreciate the many Members of Congress who spoke up for patients."
In February, the company agreed to settle FTC charges and pay $2.25 million in a case arising from media reports of CVS Caremark pharmacies throwing into open dumpsters pill bottles with patient names; Social Security numbers; payroll information; and credit card and insurance card information.
Then in May, more than 80 community pharmacists and two patients met with the FTC to explain the problems caused by the merger and to urge the agency to re-examine it. Twenty-one Members of Congress and pro-consumer groups such as the National Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices have also urged an FTC investigation.
More detail on the problems patients and community pharmacists have experienced since the CVS Caremark merger is available here.
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA®) represents America's community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 22,700 independent community pharmacies, pharmacy franchises, and chains. Together they represent an $88 billion health-care marketplace, employ over 65,000 pharmacists, and dispense over 40% of all retail prescriptions. To learn more go to www.ncpanet.org.