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ASHP’s Role with the New Congress and Administration

By Paul Abramowitz posted 11-16-2016 16:07

  

As another election season comes to a close and we look ahead to the new administration and the 115th Congress in 2017, ASHP is again positioning itself as a credible resource to policymakers on issues impacting the profession of pharmacy and public health. While elections create change among those in government, ASHP’s public policy priorities remain the same: advancing provider status legislation, protecting the 340B program, and working with both sides of the aisle and with the administration to address the growing problem of skyrocketing drug prices and their impact on our patients and the healthcare system.

Over the last few years ASHP has increased its presence in Washington by spearheading legislative efforts aimed at curbing drug shortages and ensuring safer compounding practices. These are issues that impact all Americans regardless of political affiliation, and ASHP input was instrumental in developing policy solutions.

The new landscape on Capitol Hill and at the White House is an opportunity for ASHP to forge new partnerships, educate new stakeholders, and highlight ASHP’s expertise in public health issues. Healthcare legislation will once again be back on the agenda, and issues related to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to be in play. As we look ahead to advancing provider status, 2017 may provide legislative vehicles that could include pharmacists as providers in the Medicare program.

ASHP remains committed to working with the new administration and the new Congress to address our public policy goals. Currently we are planning outreach efforts to the Trump transition team and will begin educating the freshman congressional class on how ASHP members improve the health and wellness of their patients by ensuring safe and effective medication use and advancing healthcare. Although change in Washington is inevitable, ASHP stands firm on its commitment to its members and the public at large.

We look forward to continuing to engage you and represent your professional interests in 2017 and beyond. Thanks so much for being a member of ASHP, and for everything you do for your patients.

Sincerely,

Paul

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11-22-2016 09:44

I question if ASHP should continue to fight for the 340b program.  First of all, It doesn't benefit all members. In place, it should work towards a single [reduced] price point for all providers (and ASHP members).  Along with other government discounts with manufacturers, it distorts pricing, such as the Epipen travesty that includes discounts for some and free supplies to schools.  The 340b program is so difficult to maintain and document, tremendous sums of money to 3rd party vendors and internal staff are necessary to comply.