Common use of Discount Card Program Clause in Contracts

Discount Card Program. The conference agreement requires each card sponsor to provide each enrollee with access to negotiated prices. These negotiated prices would take into account negotiated price concessions such as discounts, direct or indirect subsidies, rebates, and direct or indirect remunerations for covered drugs. Negotiated prices include any dispensing fees. Seniors currently benefit from prescription drug assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. Conferees intend that these programs continue to be offered until the full implementation of the prescription drug benefit. Nothing in this conference report shall be interpreted as encouraging the discontinuation or diminution of these benefits. Each prescription drug card sponsor must secure the participation of a sufficient number of pharmacies that dispense drugs directly to enrollees to ensure convenient access to covered drugs at negotiated prices. This requirement may only be met by entities dispensing drugs other than solely by mail order. Conferees intend for seniors to have access to a bricks and mortar pharmacy. The Secretary will establish convenient access rules that are no less favorable than standards for convenient access to pharmacies applicable under TRICARE. Applicable TRICARE standards are those specified in the statement of work solicitation (#MDA906-03-R- 0002) as of March 13, 2003. A prescription drug card sponsor (and any pharmacy contracting with the sponsor to provide covered discount card drugs) may not charge enrollees for any items and services required to be provided under the program. This prohibition would not apply to the annual enrollment fee for persons who are not transitional assistance eligible individuals or for the charge for the drug (consistent with the negotiated price) reduced by any transitional assistance. The agreement further provides that negotiated prices will not be taken into account for purposes of making best price calculations under the Medicaid rebate program. Each endorsed card program is required to implement a system to reduce the likelihood of medication errors and adverse drug interactions and to improve medication use.