Press Releases
For Release: Immediately 9/29/09
SAYWARD ASKS GOVERNOR TO ADDRESS PHARMACY REIMBURSEMENT
As the result of a United States District Court ruling that became effective September 26, 2009, one of the formulas used to calculate pharmacy reimbursement for 8,000 brand name medications has been adjusted downward. This is a four percent decrease in reimbursement for all public health program brand name drugs. Approximately $100 million will be lost in pharmacy compensation while New York State receives a $50 million windfall.
Local pharmacies are saying they will pay more for these medications than they will receive from the state in reimbursement. This is an outrage! New York State just informed my office that all Legislators’ per diem rates for travel have been increased. Our state continues to hire more staff. Meanwhile, we expect our pharmacies to fill public health prescriptions below their cost! When will government stop trying to solve our fiscal problems on the backs of our local businesses?
The New York State Senate has already passed legislation (S.6146) to fix this drug reimbursement problem. Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (D/WF-Rome) has introduced a same-as bill (A.9139) that I have co-sponsored to resolve the issue in the Assembly. I am asking for your help once again. Please contact Governor Paterson and Assemblyman Silver- ask them to call us back to Albany to pass this vital legislation. Once approved in the Assembly, Governor Paterson must sign the bill into law.
