Grassley, Cotton, Colleagues Express Concern Over Reduced Reimbursements for Prescriptions

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on a letter to Seileen Mull, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, seeking answers about TRICARE beneficiaries’ ability to maintain access to local pharmacies. The letter expressed concern that Express Scripts will reduce prescription reimbursements for 9.6 million TRICARE members in 2023. The letter also notes that 2022 pharmacy contracts will expire on October 24, rather than the end of the year. This will only reduce the pharmacy network for TRICARE patients and their families.

 

In part, the senators wrote:

 

“Pharmacists continue to be one of the most accessible health care providers in the United States. Over 90 percent of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy, and 76.5 percent of pharmacies in rural areas are independent community pharmacies. As you know, in addition to dispensing medications and vaccines, community pharmacies provide services that lead to better health outcomes, lower overall administrative fees, and valuable in-person consultations with a healthcare provider.”

 

Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) joined the letter.