CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS FORGE COMMUNITY PHARMACY COALITION

Congressional leaders have forged anew Capitol Hill coalition to advance legislationdesigned to address the problemsfacing community pharmacy.

The new Congressional CommunityPharmacy Coalition will dedicate itself to?finding legislative solutions that preservepatient access to independent communitypharmacies and the valuable servicesthey provide,? said House members in announcingthe new organization. Thebipartisan group is being cochaired byReps Marion Berry (D, Ark), CathyMcMorris Rodgers (R, Wash), Jerry Moran(R, Kan), and Anthony Weiner (D, NY).

?Independent community pharmaciesface enormous challenges in maintainingtheir economic viability as a result ofmany issues, including payment delaysfor Medicare Part D drug claims,? saidcoalition leaders. According to the coalition,?these challenges are not due to naturalchanges in the free market, butbecause of preventable obstacles thatcreate a hostile business environment forcommunity pharmacies.?