GPhA wants to delay AMP transparency of generic drugs

The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) has called on the US Senate to adopt the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (HR 6331) to ensure that low-income US citizens continue to have access to generic drugs. The proposed legislation would postpone cuts to average manufacturer prices under the Medicare program as well as the publication of existing AMPs. The House of Representatives had previously adopted HR 6331.

Instead of opening up prices of its members' products to more public scrutiny and price controls, the GPhA proposes to save government spending by the adoption of electronic prescribing. Another area of concern is the delayed reimbursement of pharmacists (Marketletters passim) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Kathleen Jaeger, the group's president, said: "by delaying the AMP provisions, Congress will have time to consider how best to reform the Medicaid pharmacy payment and reporting system to ensure appropriate reimbursement that promotes a level of quality care that all Americans deserve."