[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1971, the 
Pharmacy Competition and Consumer Choice Act. This legislation will 
help level the playing field between neighborhood pharmacies and 
pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) ensuring rural communities will 
continue to have access to see the providers of their choosing.
  The 7th Congressional District of Minnesota, which I represent, is 
made up of more than 31,000 square miles and many small towns and 
farms. Small and independent retail pharmacies serve the pharmacy needs 
of residents in this large rural area. Residents of my district are 
concerned that they are losing access to their local community 
pharmacist whom they trust and have built relationships with throughout 
the years.
  These PBMs tend to encourage patients to use their own mail-order-
only operations in order to receive discounted co-pays on prescription 
drugs. Many constituents have expressed how they want to save money but 
also would like to talk to the pharmacists about their drug regimens 
and possible drug interactions. They do not like the idea of dealing 
with faceless employees of a managing company and talking with someone 
new each time they call. Patients should not have to choose between 
best price and best care.
  Small pharmacies play a vital role in rural communities. Not only are 
they an employer, but serve as a health care advisor to senior citizens 
and families. I have heard concerns that such market concentration, 
like one we will see with Express Scripts and Medco, will likely lead 
to higher prices for consumers and fewer choices. During this difficult 
economic time, we cannot afford to lose jobs and the small businesses 
that serve the very important health-care needs of American consumers. 
This is especially true in rural areas, where there are already fewer 
choices.
  H.R. 1971, the Pharmacy Competition and Consumer Choice Act, would 
provide transparency into how PBMs deal with Medicare Part D plans, and 
would require PBMs to deal more honestly with pharmacies when 
contacting and conducting audits. By protecting Part D plans and 
beneficiaries, as well as patient access to local community pharmacies, 
this legislation will help ensure that rural patients will continue to 
have access to local pharmacies.

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