Expansion of MTM services in Medicare proposal supported by pharmacy groups

Pharmacy groups, representing more than 100,000 pharmacists in different pharmacy practice settings, have written to CMS Administrator Marilyn B. Tavenner to express their support for the expansion of medication therapy management (MTM) services to Medicare Part D Beneficiaries in the CMS proposal released in early January.

Because expansion of MTM services is “a fundamental, much-needed reform that will greatly benefit Medicare beneficiaries, we encourage CMS to move forward with this component of the proposed rule,” according to the pharmacy organizations in their letter dated March 5.

The letter highlights the need to improve the quality as well as the cost of medication-related outcomes and overall healthcare and stresses that MTM services can do just that. “Studies indicate that for every $1 spent on MTM services, $12 is saved-in addition to costs savings, patients also realize significant improvements in key health measures,” they wrote.

The following pharmacy groups signed the letter: The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, American Pharmacists Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the National Community Pharmacists Association.

The pharmacy groups also asked CMS to refine the MTM provisions in the Final Rule, by providing clear guidelines for service provision, such as a requirement for pharmacist-led MTM. This would ensure that pharmacists work directly with patients when providing MTM.