WASHINGTON, D.C., March 1, 2011 – The American Insurance Association (AIA), in its comments submitted yesterday to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, endorsed the establishment of uniform reimbursement rates for pharmaceuticals. AIA lauded the Commission’s proposal because it addresses a significant problem, in Maryland and in many states, where physician-dispensing of re-packaged drugs has been utilized to avoid pharmacy fee schedules.
Additionally, AIA suggested that the Commission also consider prohibiting all physician-dispensing to avoid gaps in the abililty of pharmacies and insurers to track excessive and inappropriate utilization. The National Council on Compensation Insurance, in its 2010 update to prescription drug utilization, found that costs from physician-dispensed drugs have risen dramatically since 2008.
AIA’s comments can be viewed here (PDF).
Source: AIA