[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             Rx IMPACT DAY

  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, I rise today in advance 
of the Third Annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT 
Day to recognize pharmacy contributions to the American health care 
system. Over the course of the next 2 days, over 300 members of the 
pharmacy community, including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school 
faculty and students, State pharmacy leaders and pharmacy company 
executives, will visit Capitol Hill to share their views with Congress 
about the importance of protecting access to neighborhood pharmacies 
and utilizing pharmacists to improve quality and reduce health costs.
  Pharmacists play an important role in improving our health care 
system by providing services and expertise that help patients manage 
their medications and overall health. In many communities, pharmacists 
are the most accessible health care provider group. Today's pharmacies 
offer a variety of preventive healthcare services including 
immunizations and vaccinations, health screening services, disease 
management services and routine advice on the best and most effective 
over-the-counter products for patients' specific needs.
  Through medication therapy management, MTM, pharmacists reduce 
medical errors and help patients manage and adhere to their prescribed 
therapies. Drug therapy management services can play a critical role in 
improving the quality of care and containing health care costs, as 
these services help patients make the best possible use of their 
medications. MTM services require a partnership of the pharmacist, the 
patient or their caregiver, and other health professionals to promote 
the safe and effective use of medications and help patients achieve 
targeted health outcomes. I am pleased the Affordable Care Act 
recognized the health benefits and cost savings associated with MTM and 
includes a series of grant programs to encourage MTM as part of 
coordinated care models and chronic disease initiatives. Reform also 
improves the MTM benefit in Medicare Part D and establishes a bonus 
payment for Medicare Advantage plans that promote MTM.
  Analysis conducted by the New England Healthcare Institute estimates 
that the overall cost of incorrect use of medication is as much as $290 
billion per year, not to mention the avoidable loss of quality of life 
for patients and their loved ones. With increasing evidence this 
benefit can improve patient health outcomes, I support community 
pharmacy's efforts to strengthen the MTM benefit. I joined colleagues 
earlier this year in introducing the Medication Therapy Management 
Empowerment Act. In addition to extending MTM services to seniors and 
others struggling with chronic conditions, this bill provides 
appropriate reimbursement for pharmacists' time and service. The bill 
also establishes standards for data collection to evaluate and improve 
the Part D MTM benefit.
  Throughout my service in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of 
pharmacies and recognize their important role in our health care 
system. Today, I celebrate the value of pharmacy and support efforts to 
protect access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilize pharmacies to 
improve the quality and reduce the costs of health care. I commend 
pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and executives and the 
pharmacy community for their contributions to improving the health of 
the American people.

                          ____________________