By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-981675.mp3
Albany, NY – Independent drug store owners throughout New York are urging Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign a bill that will help them be more competitive with mail-order pharmacies. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The "Anti-Mandatory Mail Order Bill" would stop health plans from mandating the use of any specific mail-order pharmacy and empower local pharmacies to fill the 90-day prescriptions IF the drugstore matches the price offered by the mail order outlet. The Federal Trade Commission opposes the legislation with the argument that the law may limit competition and drive prices up: Craig Burridge, executive director of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York, says it will not. Burridge points out the FTC's argument is based on a 2005 GAO report which found mail-order pharmaceuticals less expensive than retail - he's convinced the survey was flawed. Burridge points out that 83 percent of today's drugs have a generic version and independent pharmacies can beat mail-order prices.
Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie co-sponsored the bill, which he says is not just about saving money - it's also about saving jobs. The measure was unanimously approved in the Assembly: it passed the Senate 60 to 2 - It will be sent to Governor Cuomo on August 19th.