AARP URGES SENIORS WITH PART D PROBLEMS TO SWITCH PHARMACIES

What are seniors todo if they encounter difficultiesfilling MedicarePart D prescriptions?According to AARP,they should considerswitching pharmacies.

Leaders of AARP have told membersthat they should go elsewhere if theyfind problems having Part D prescriptionsfilled.Chief Executive Officer (CEO)William D. Novelli characterized theinability of many retail pharmacies toverify eligibility for the new Rx benefit as"unacceptable." He said, "If individualsare having trouble at one pharmacy, weare recommending they try another."

NCPA, however, recognizes the troublesencountered at the initiation of theprogram but reflects on the advantagesand safety seniors realize by continuingto use their same pharmacist. BruceRoberts, RPh, executive vice presidentand CEO of NCPA, stated, "Unfortunately,for both patients and pharmacists,the normal experience at the pharmacyhas been disrupted during the launch ofMedicare Part D. Pharmacists arespending long hours working with theirpatients to ensure that they are walkingout of the pharmacy with the medicationsthey need. Not only is it dangerousto switch back and forth between pharmacies,[but] most independent communitypharmacies have long-term, personalrelationships with their patients,and that's something most patientsdon't want to sacrifice."