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Press Releases
Rep. Norman Leads Letter Addressing TRICARE Pharmacies and the Dept. of Defense Health Agency’s Recent Contract Changes
Washington, D.C.,
October 27, 2022
|
Austin Livingston
(803-327-1114)
Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) led a letter to Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin, seeking information from the Department of Defense Health Agency (DHA) regarding its newly re-negotiated contract with Cigna/Express Scripts (ESI). This contract removes the option for many TRICARE beneficiaries to utilize the pharmacy of their choice.
The letter was co-signed by 27 additional Members of the House of Representatives, and has the support of the National Community Pharmacists Association, American Pharmacist Association, and Military Officers Association of America. Background As recently as 2021, over 56,000 pharmacy retailers were recognized within the TRICARE network. TRICARE beneficiaries include active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
However, as a result of DHA's newly negotiated contracts with Cigna/ESI, nearly 15,000 pharmacy retailers are no longer part of the TRICARE network, as of October 24th.
The exodus of pharmacy retailers leaving the network leaves roughly 400,000 beneficiariesliving in suburban, rural, and underserved communities with limited access to care.
Rep. Norman's letter seeks answers from the Secretary of Defense concerning this change, the appropriateness of these negotiated terms, and the impact this decision will have on TRICARE beneficiaries across the nation.
Cosigners include: Rep. John Rose (TN-6), Rep. W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), Rep. Bill Posey (FL-8), Rep. Diana Harshbarger Pharm.D. (TN-1), Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-1), Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-3), Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-2), Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-9), Rep. Mark E. Green, M.D. (TN-7), Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12), Rep. Rick Crawford (AK-1), Rep. Mary E. Miller (IL-15), Rep. Mike Flood (NE-1), Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-4), Rep. Matt Rosendale (MT), Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11), Rep. Austin Pfluger (TX-11), Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-1), Rep. Rick W. Allen (GA-12), Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21), Rep. David Kustoff (TN-8), Rep. Andrew Clyde(GA-9), Rep. Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-3), Rep. Michael Guest (MS-3), Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-2).
Statement "This is a major issue in South Carolina, especially in more rural parts of our state where pharmacy options are limited," said Rep. Norman on Thursday. "This move enriches the PBMs negotiating these contracts while hurting beneficiaries along with many smaller and rural pharmacies. Given the urgency of the situation and the sheer volume of TRICARE beneficiaries this negatively affects, we need answers from Secretary Austin on this matter immediately. Members of our military community deserve better than this." |
