Legislative Issues & Talking Points

Michigan Legislative Update

• The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is at the forefront of all pharmacy related advocacy and legislation. Periodically, as legislation is introduced or action is taken, MPA Government Affairs Manager Brian Sapita updates our Legislative Update. Click here for the most recent update and information on all of the latest bills and action taken.

Michigan Legislative Agenda

• Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency: Educate policymakers on healthcare reimbursement and work to facilitate fair business environments by promoting legislation that addresses issues such as prescription drug pricing and reimbursement, fair audit practices, mandatory-mail order programs and PBM transparency.
• Advance Pharmacy Practice: Work with Medicaid, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, managed care plans and other stakeholders to implement strategies that further utilize the services of pharmacists to provide access and improve the healthcare of the people of Michigan.
• Fair Pharmacy Reimbursement: Work with both the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and other stakeholders to address direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees and other issues to achieve fair reimbursement for pharmacy services.
• Rules Promulgation: Work with the Board of Pharmacy within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to create fair and equal rules governing the practice of pharmacy in the state.
• Opioid Epidemic: Work with stakeholders to create and pass public health policy to decrease diversion and keep patients safe while maintaining patient access to medications for appropriate use and advancing the pharmacists' role in medication-assisted treatment.
• Access and Implementation of Technology: Work with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the Michigan Health Information Network and other stakeholders to provide pharmacists access to patient electronic health information and enhance the ability of the pharmacist to utilize technologies that result in the improved health and safety of the patients pharmacists serve.
• Workplace Environment: Educate policymakers on the importance of promoting and supporting a culture of safety and work with stakeholders to improve the workplace environment to enhance medication safety.

Federal Legislative Agenda

• Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) Fees: Support national efforts to limit the inappropriate use of DIR fees as a method of recouping dollars from pharmacies after a claim has been adjudicated. 
• Provider Status: Work with national organizations and pharmacy stakeholders to support access of pharmacy services to patients through the recognition of pharmacists as providers under Medicare Part B.
• Reimbursement: Support national efforts to improve the frequency of updates to drug pricing standards, expand upon Medicare’s any willing pharmacy provisions and increase transparency requirements for PBMs.