NCPA Applauds Congress for Passing TRICARE Pharmacy Choice Measure

PRESS RELEASEALEXANDRIA, Va. (Dec. 8, 2016) The U.S. Senate today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a provision in Sec. 743 called the "Pilot Program for Prescription Drug Acquisition Cost Parity in the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program." With the U.S. House already having passed the bill, it now awaits President Barack Obama's signature. In response B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) CEO, issued the following statement:

"NCPA and its pharmacy allies worked diligently to support choice for military families and veterans as to where to have their prescriptions filled. The pilot program in the military reauthorization bill approved in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion could allow any participating retail pharmacy, including small business pharmacies, to purchase medications for their TRICARE patients (that are not Medicare eligible) at rates currently available only via the mail order program and at military treatment facilities.

"The pilot program will be developed at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense in consultation with retail pharmacies. NCPA looks forward to helping the Secretary implement a successful pilot program that includes independent community pharmacies. We have always been honored to provide prescription drug services to active and retired military families, and believe this critical first step will go a long ways in cementing that relationship into the future. We are confident the end result will be increased pharmacy choice and cost savings for TRICARE."