NCPA Statement on CVS-Target Deal

PRESS RELEASE

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 15, 2015) —

National Community Pharmacists Association

(NCPA) CEO B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA, issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement that CVS Health would purchase Target pharmacies:

“Further consolidation in the retail setting means pharmacy services are increasingly available only from a fewer number of larger entities. The CVS-Target deal reinforces the need and strengthens the case for allowing patients to use

‘any willing pharmacy’

that accepts a drug plan’s terms and conditions, such as reimbursement.

“Patients in underserved rural and inner-city areas rely on access to independent community pharmacies for prescription medication and counseling. For these and some other patients national pharmacy chains are not a practical option. The

Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act (H.R. 793/S. 1190)

would allow patients in underserved areas to access discounted copays at their local pharmacy. We encourage House and Senate lawmakers to cosponsor and enact this legislation.”