2008-11-09 03:21:01 -

pcmanet.org/ - Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) Charles Cote, 202-207-3605 The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement on preliminary presidential election exit polling:

"In yesterday's historic election, two-thirds of voters said that reducing health care costs is a top concern. Regarding prescription drugs, policymakers should address this challenge in two ways: First, they should resist any

new initiatives that will increase drug costs, and second, they should encourage more active use of tools that will actually generate savings."

"Specifically, policymakers should:

-- Create an FDA pathway to approve generic biologic alternatives;

-- Encourage faster adoption of e-prescribing among America's physicians. E-prescribing is as a major first step in the drive for health IT reform;

-- Create new ways for America's payers to compare the clinical effectiveness and costs of "me-too" prescription drugs; and

-- Encourage greater use of mail service pharmacies in public programs."

PCMA is the national association representing America's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which administer prescription drug plans for more than 210 million Americans with health coverage provided through Fortune 500 employers, health insurance plans, labor unions, and Medicare Part D.

Savings Opportunities Available with Mail-Service Pharmacies,
E-Prescribing, Biogenerics, and Comparative Effectiveness