NASP submits testimony to U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on unfair and anticompetitive practices impacting specialty pharmacy

The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) submitted written testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, March 30, 2023, expressing support for the efforts to address unfair and anticompetitive practices that narrow the pharmacy marketplace and negatively impact patients.

In written testimony, Sheila M. Arquette, RPh, President & CEO, NASP urged the Committee to take additional action this year to establish protections to ensure pharmacies are no longer exploited by Medicare Part D Plans or their partners, particularly as the Calendar Year 2023 Medicare Part D rule addressing negotiated price and pharmacy remuneration (DIR fees) goes into effect in January 2024.

“Over the years, anticompetitive market practices, including the escalation in pharmacy DIR claw back fees, have led to a significant narrowing of pharmacy networks. Efforts by Congress are needed to address comprehensive pharmacy DIR reform and ensure patient access to specialty pharmacies,” said Ms. Arquette.

The testimony further expresses concerns about pharmacy performance metrics, seeking to ensure pharmacy performance evaluations are appropriate, fair, and relevant based on the drugs a pharmacy dispenses and the services a pharmacy provides. The testimony also addressed transparency regarding pharmacy claims processes.

To read the full testimony, please click here.