| Golf, CE, Luxury Digs Give 2013 Retreat
a Lot of Bang for a Just a Few Bucks - April 3, 2013 |
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Be sure to mark your calendars now for the 2013 Shareholder Retreat, our signature annual conference to be held September 20-21. This year's event will be even better than ever: we've lined up a golf outing at the stunning AT&T Oaks course, the same course that PGA tour pros play.
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| Act Now & Urge Congress to Oppose
Medicare's New DME Bidding System - March 27, 2013 |
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On January 30, CMS announced the Round 2 prices for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program.
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| MedImpact Update: How to Handle Questionable Collection Tactics on Disputed Invoices for Card Transaction Fees - February 21, 2013 |
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As previously reported to you by APRx, MedImpact recently bought out BioScrip, a prescription discount card operator, and is attempting to collect old fees on prescriptions filled at some Texas pharmacies. MedImpact is invoicing for claims dating back to 2010.
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| APRx Fights New Medicaid Rates in Appeals Court Challenge - February 13, 2013 |
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The Third Court of Appeals in Austin heard arguments today from American Pharmacies outside counsel Miguel Rodriguez in the appeal of APRx's lawsuit to require the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to fairly regulate Medicaid reimbursement to Texas pharmacies, as state law requires.
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| APRx Wins Again as CVS Fails to Keep RICO Suit Out of Court - February 11, 2013 |
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Ruling Strengthens Position in Landmark Suit The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected CVS-Caremark's appeal of an earlier federal court ruling that most of American Pharmacies' RICO lawsuit against CVS must be heard in open court.
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| Federal Judges Hear CVS' Appeal of Ruling to Compel Public Trial - February 8, 2013 |
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Last April, U.S. Judge John Rainey overruled the objections of CVS Caremark to a ruling that keeps most of APRx's Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuit out of arbitration and in open court before a jury.
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| Welcome to the APRx Insider! - January 30, 2013 |
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We've created a special publication to highlight the people that make APRx special. Join us to welcome new members and recognize old ones. If you've got some news to share about yourself or someone you know in the APRx ranks, please let us know.
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| BULLETIN: State Appeals Court Sets Feb. 13 Hearing in APRx Appeal of Medicaid Rate Ruling - January 25, 2013 |
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American Pharmacies has just learned that the state's Third Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in our second Medicaid lawsuit at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13 in Austin.
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| UPDATE: MedImpact Pressing Hard to Collect Old Discount Card Fees - January 25, 2013 |
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MedImpact recently bought out BioScrip, a prescription discount card operator, and is attempting to collect old fees on prescriptions filled at some Texas pharmacies. MedImpact is invoicing for claims dating back to 2010.
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| Generics Expert Joins APRx Staff to Bring More Value to Members - January 3, 2013 |
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We are excited to announce the hiring of generics expert John Cooper as our new Vice President of Generics and Vendor Relations effective January 1, 2013.
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| APRx Insider
- December 11, 2012 |
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Enchanted with APRx: Roden-Smith Pharmacy Builds Success, New Mexico Style
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| URGENT ALERT: AARP's Medicare Rx Plan Bars Independents from Inclusion in New 2013 Preferred Network
- November 29, 2012 |
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AARP's Medicare Part D plan, managed by United Healthcare, is restricting millions of patients' access to independent pharmacies and excluding you from participating in their 2013 preferred network.
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| Pharmacy Champion Chuck Hopson On the Job as APRx Special Advisor - November 20, 2012 |
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State Rep. Chuck Hopson from Jacksonville, a longtime independent pharmacist and a constant champion for Texas independents in the Legislature, has started his work with APRx as a special advisor.
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| Welcome to the APRx Insider
- November 15, 2012 |
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We've created a special publication to highlight the people that make APRx special.
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| Your Fall 2012 Shareholder Report
- October 24, 2012 |
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We are pleased to present our Fall 2012 Shareholder Report, which you will also receive by U.S. mail in the days ahead.
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| 4 APRx Directors Win New 3-year Terms
- September 11, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies Board members Robert Kinsey, R.Ph.; Mike Muecke, R.Ph.; Joe Ochoa, R.Ph.; and Bruce Rogers, R.Ph., have been elected to new three-year terms on the Board.
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| Notice of Board Candidate Nominations
- August 30, 2012 |
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Nominations Accepted Through Sept. 7 for 4 APRx Board of Director Positions
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| Important Deadlines Looming for RxAlly, Conference Hotel Rate
- August 30, 2012 |
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Ist Part D Plan Deadline is Tomorrow! Tomorrow (Aug. 31) is the last day in the first enrollment period for RxAlly's new Medicare Part D plan that launches October 15.
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| Legislators Rise to Challenge at San Antonio Pharmacy Forum
- August 29, 2012 |
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Embracing the struggles of the state's besieged community pharmacists, Texas legislators last night told a concerned San Antonio audience that perseverance and political activism are needed to improve the state's flawed Medicaid Rx reimbursement scheme.
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| 8 Legislators Set for Rx Forum in San Antonio on August 28
- August 23, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies and the Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas will hold their second Friends of Texas Pharmacy Event on August 28 at the Oak Hills Country Club in northwest San Antonio. Eight state legislators have confirmed their attendance for the town hall meeting to join independent pharmacists in addressing Texas Medicaid challenges.
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| Inportant News: How to Handle HHSC's Request for Audit of Medicaid Drug Acquisition Records
- August 23, 2012 |
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Many APRx members are notifying us of their recent receipt of a letter from Texas Health and Human Services Commission (See Sample Audit Request Letter) requesting documents to allow HHSC to perform an agreed-upon procedures audit of pharmacy invoices.
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| A Special Message From Your Leaders: Community Pharmacy is Fighting for Survival.
- August 22, 2012 |
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RxAlly Can Help Save Your Business Model. As independent pharmacists, we face mounting challenges as market forces, PBMs and the government reshape the way we do business. Our income is eroding as PBMs cut our dispensing fees and steer business to their own retail and mail-order operations. Doctors and nurses are grabbing for a piece of the dispensing pie and the future promises more dispensing by technicians and automated systems.
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| Retreat to the Hill Country for Shareholder Conference - August 15, 2012 |
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APRx's 2012 Shareholder Retreat (formerly Member Appreciation Days) is just five weeks away. The conference takes place September 21-22 at the beautiful J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Registration is just $50 for you and one guest and the special $209 hotel rate is good for the entire Sept. 20-23 period. The special $209 rate is guaranteed only through Sept 1!
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| 2nd Friends of Pharmacy Event Set for Aug. 28 in San Antonio - July 24, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies and the Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas will hold their second Friends of Texas Pharmacy Event on August 28 at the Oak Hills Country Club in northwest San Antonio.
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| 2012 Shareholder Retreat - July 13, 2012 |
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APRx's 2012 Shareholder Retreat (formerly Member Appreciation Days) is just two months away, so it's time to circle the dates on your calendar and register for this can't-miss event.
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| Heart-to-Heart Webinar Today at 3 - June 26, 2012 |
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Learn How You Can Help Prevent Heart Attacks With Pharmacy BP Testing and Data Collection
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| June 2012 Shareholder Report - A Thorough Update on APRx Activities & Initiatives - June 12, 2012 |
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The Board and staff of American Pharmacies are proud to bring you this detailed report on all the activities, initiatives and successes that make us the leading independent pharmacy organization in Texas
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| Golf, CE, Exhibits, Speakers & More - June 5, 2012 |
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We've Got it All at Our 2012 Shareholder Retreat at the Luxurious J.W. Marriott in San Antonio
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| Legislators, 300+ Supporters Rally to Support Independent Pharmacy - May 25, 2012 |
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In a packed convention hall last night (May 24) in the Rio Grande Valley, state and federal legislators told a concerned audience that they must use their votes and their voices to help lawmakers bring relief to independent pharmacies that are struggling in the state's Medicaid program.
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| We've Stood By You; It's Time to Stand With Us - May 24, 2012 |
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On June 15, 2011, American Pharmacies submitted a 16 page request for proposal outlining our requirements for our new drug wholesaler contracts to HD Smith, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, Morris & Dickson, and McKesson.
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| APRx Carrying on Medicaid Fight as Sole Plaintiff in State, U.S. Suits - May 16, 2012 |
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On March 1, 2012, The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) began allowing managed care organizations and PBMs to reimburse Medicaid pharmacy providers at rates far below those required under state and federal law. American Pharmacies continues to fight these violations in separate state and federal lawsuits.
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| Breaking News: APRx Continuing Medicaid Fight With Appeal of State Court Ruling - April 26, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies has filed an appeal of the April 24 ruling that dismissed APRx's lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) over the implementation of managed care for Medicaid pharmacy benefits.
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| Breaking News: Judge Dismisses APRx's Lawsuit Over Medicaid Rx Payment Rights - April 24, 2012 |
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State District Court Judge John Dietz has dismissed American Pharmacies' lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) over the implementation of managed care for Medicaid pharmacy benefits.
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| Ruling Likely by Friday in APRx Suit
to Protect Medicaid Payment Rights - April 23, 2012 |
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State District Court Judge John Dietz said he will issue his ruling by Friday (April 27) in American Pharmacies' lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) over the implementation of managed care for Medicaid pharmacy benefits.
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| Expanding Need, Expanding Interest,
CEO Perspective - April, 2012 |
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The U.S. health care system is evolving. The future of health care is a topic of discussion at all levels from the Supreme Court to the campaign trail to kitchen tables across the country.
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| New Wholesaler Deals Bring You More Value - April 18, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies is fortunate to have trusted partners who share our commitment to the economic, legal and political health of independent pharmacy. Two such organizations that are critical to our success are AmerisourceBergen (ABC) and McKesson Drug.
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| 1-Day Trial Scheduled for Monday in APRx's Managed-Care Lawsuit - April 17, 2012 |
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State District Court Judge John Dietz will conduct a one-day trial on Monday (April 23) in American Pharmacies' lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) over the implementation of managed care for Medicaid pharmacy benefits.
APRx will bring you a complete report on the trial, which starts at 9 a.m. in Austin.
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| Judge Overrules CVS Caremark on Objection to Arbitration Denial - April 3, 2012 |
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U.S. Judge John Rainey yesterday (4/2) overruled the objections of CVS Caremark to a ruling that keeps most of APRx's RICO lawsuit out of arbitration and in open court.
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| NCPA, NACDS Lead Lawsuit Against
Express Scripts-Medco PBM Merger - March 30, 2012 |
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The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and nine retail pharmacy companies yesterday filed suit against the proposed mega merger of PBMs Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions.
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| APRx Urges You to Enroll Today
in our Vital RxAlly Initiative - March 16, 2012 |
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RxAlly is creating a national alliance of pharmacies that is the first of its kind. American Pharmacies is a founding member and financial supporter of this vital initiative. As an APRx member, you are strongly encouraged to enroll today in the RxAlly Performance Network.
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| Judge Sets 1-Day Trial for April 23
in APRx's Managed-Care Lawsuit - March 07, 2012 |
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State District Court Judge John Dietz has set an April 23 trial date in American Pharmacies' lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) over the implementation of managed care for Medicaid pharmacy benefits
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| Judge Fast-Tracks Managed-Care Suit;
Declines to Delay Pharmacy Carve-in - March 01, 2012 |
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A state district court judge today declined American Pharmacies' request to delay the start of managed care for Texas Medicaid pharmacy benefits, but he did deny the state's request to immediately dismiss APRx's lawsuit and instead expedited the case for trial.
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| RxAlly Offers Gives a Clear Path to Fight PBMs' Efforts to Commoditize Pharmacy - February 27, 2012 |
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"At the end of the day Nexium is Nexium, Lipitor is Lipitor, drugs are drugs, and it shouldn't matter that much who's counting to 30."
--Express Scripts Chairman & CEO George Paz
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| U.S. Judge Denies Arbitration Request
by CVS-Caremark in Our RICO Lawsuit - February 23, 2012 |
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APRx has earned its first victory in the landmark 2010 lawsuit against CVS Caremark that alleges RICO violations and trade secret misappropriation (RICO = Racketeer Influenced & Corrupt Organizations Act). CVS Caremark had asked to send the entire case against it and its subsidiaries to arbitration to keep the suit out of the public eye.
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| APRx Proud To Be Founding Member
in Groundbreaking RxAlly Initiative - February 22, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies is joining forces with RxAlly -- a forward-thinking new company that has brought together an unprecedented alliance of pharmacies united to help patients achieve better health through personalized pharmacist care while reducing costs.
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| APRx Files Its Third Medicaid Lawsuit to Protect Rx Payments & Patient Access - February 17, 2012 |
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Today (2/17), APRx filed its second state court lawsuit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prevent Medicaid managed pharmacy care (scheduled to take effect March 1) and the devastating reimbursement cuts that will put pharmacies out of business while seriously eroding patient access to care.
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| McKesson, AmerisourceBergen Chosen as APRx's New Preferred Wholesalers - February 16, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies has signed letters of intent with McKesson Corp. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC) to be our two preferred drug wholesalers. APRx's existing agreement with Morris & Dickson remains in full force and effect through May 31, 2012. All terms and conditions of that agreement continue and will be honored through that date.
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| APRx Files Federal Lawsuit Against HHSC
to Protect Your Medicaid Rx Reimbursements - February 14, 2012 |
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Today, APRx filed a federal lawsuit on your behalf to prevent catastrophic cuts in Medicaid pharmacy reimbursements that are scheduled to take effect March 1 -- cuts that will put pharmacies out of business while seriously eroding patient access to care.
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| APRx Fights Medco-Express Scripts Merger in Formal Letter to Federal Trade Commission - February 08, 2012 |
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American Pharmacies yesterday submitted a formal letter to the Federal Trade Commission opposing the proposed merger between the major PBMs Medco and Express Scripts. The combined company would dominate the PBM market in U.S. health care, controlling nearly a third of the market share.
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| HHSC Makes Some Medicaid Concessions in Meeting with TPBC, APRx & Other Rx Groups - January 20, 2012 |
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Texas Pharmacy Business Council, APRx, Texas Federation of Drug Stores and other Texas pharmacy advocates conferred yesterday afternoon with HHSC officials in a meeting that produced state commitments to address some Medicaid issues, but little hope for HHSC intervention on pharmacy payments in the switch to managed care. Numerous pharmacy stakeholders attended or called into the January 18 meeting to discuss the ongoing implementation of managed pharmacy care for the Texas Medicaid program.
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| New Ephedrine/PSE Monitoring Program Delayed to 1/31 by State Pharmacy Board - January 12, 2012 |
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HB 1137, passed by the 2011 Texas Legislature, requires all pharmacies that sell over-the-counter medications containing ephedrine and/or pseudoephedrine (PSE) to participate in a statewide, real-time electronic PSE monitoring program.
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| Do You Know Your Reimbursement Terms Under the New Medicaid Managed Care? - December 27, 2011 |
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Before the end of the year, be sure to find out what your Medicaid reimbursement terms will be!
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| Your 2011 Fall/Winter Shareholder Report is Here - December 17, 2011 |
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Happy Holidays, Members! We are please to present our 2011 Fall/Winter Shareholder Report, which you will also receive by U.S. mail in the days ahead. The report highlights important activities of American Pharmacies and Texas Pharmacy Business Council, especially all that we have done in recent months to protect patients' rights and your independent pharmacy business model.
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| Pharmacists Again Win High Public Trust - December 13, 2011 |
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The annual Gallup survey on professional integrity finds that pharmacists continue to be held in very high esteem by the American public. In the survey, conducted Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, pharmacists were ranked high or very high for professional honesty and ethics by 73% of respondents, second to nurses (84%) and ahead of doctors (70%).
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| APRx Members Have Huge Impact
on Legislators Hearing Rx Testimony - November 28, 2011 |
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Led by strong testimony from several APRx members, a steady procession of independent pharmacists and supporters today painted a grim picture for the House Human Services Committee of a Medicaid managed-care program that will harm patient access to care and put many community pharmacies out of business.
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| APRx Appeals Medicaid Court Ruling - November 22, 2011 |
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APRx filed a lawsuit against Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) over HHSC's failure to comply with state procedural requirements for meaningful public notice and public comment concerning its waiver request to CMS and the carve-in of Texas Medicaid drug benefits into managed care.
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| APRx Puts Medicaid PBMs on Notice to End Deceptive, Coercive Tactics - November 11, 2011 |
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is transitioning the Texas Medicaid Vendor Drug Program from a fee-for-service model to managed care. HHSC hopes to begin requiring Meidicaid patients to obtain their prescription drugs through managed care by March 1, 2012.
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| APRx Weighs Next Medicaid Move as Judge Cites Jurisdiction Issue - November 4, 2011 |
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The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking federal approval to move the Texas Medicaid Vendor Drug Program benefits from a fee-for-service model to managed care.
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| Valley Meeting Brings New Members, More Support for Medicaid Rx Fight - October 20, 2011 |
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More than 100 community pharmacists and other interested individuals attended a recent APRx/TPBC meeting held in McAllen to help South Texas pharmacists learn more about our ongoing efforts to fight the flawed transition to managed care for Texas Medicaid drug benefits.
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| Don't Miss 10/12 Meeting in McAllen on Fighting the Medicaid Rx Carve-In - October 11, 2011 |
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American Pharmacies (APRx) and the Texas Pharmacy Business Council (TPBC) will host a two-hour meeting in McAllen tomorrow (10/12) to help South Texas pharmacists learn more about our ongoing efforts to fight a flawed transition to managed care for Texas Medicaid drug benefits.
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| Help Fight the Medicaid Rx Carve-In at Special 10/12 Meeting in McAllen - October 5, 2011 |
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American Pharmacies (APRx) and the Texas Pharmacy Business Council (TPBC) will host a two-hour meeting in McAllen on October 12 to give South Texas pharmacists the chance to learn more about our ongoing efforts to fight a flawed transition to managed care for Texas Medicaid drug benefits.
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| APRx Needs Your Help to Compare PBM Contracts for Managed Rx Care - September 29, 2011 |
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American Pharmacies needs your help in compiling data about how reimbursement formulas and dispensing fees compare among different managed care organizations and PBMs offering Medicaid pharmacy provider contracts in Texas in the scheduled transition to managed Rx care.
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| APRx Asks for Summary Judgment in Managed-Care Suit Against HHSC - September 22, 2011 |
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American Pharmacies today (9/22) filed a Motion for Summary Judgment (MSJ) in the ongoing lawsuit filed by APRx against Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) over HHSC's planned tran- sition to managed Rx care for Texas Medicaid.
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| APRx Presses Managed-Care Fight as CMS Allows Stage 1 Transition - September 16, 2011 |
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted preliminary approval to the state to proceed with its transition to managed care for Texas Medicaid & CHIP.
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| Last Day for $199 Conference Hotel Rate - September 8, 2011 |
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The $199 discount room rate at the luxurious JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is good through today only (September 8) for APRx's 2011 Member Appreciation Days.
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