Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2006

Summary

Pharmacy Access Improvement (PhAIm) Act of 2006 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to participating pharmacies and standards for access to them. Requires that such standards ensure that enrollees residing in long-term care facilities have access to a long-term care network pharmacy. Requires prompt payment of clean claims to pharmacies by prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MA-PD Plans) Defines prompt payment as within 14 days from submission for claims submitted electronically, and within 30 days for claims submitted otherwise. Requires payment of interest, also, if a payment is not issued, mailed, or otherwise transmitted within the applicable number of calendar days. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a 24-hour toll-free telephone number dedicated to providing Medicare prescription drug benefit information to pharmacists and pharmacy staff. Amends SSA title XVIII to require PDP sponsors to establish toll-free pharmacy and physician and provider hotlines. Requires a PDP sponsor to utilize standardized technology for any communication or transaction occurring between the PDP and a participating pharmacy. Prohibits a Medicare prescription drug card issued by a PDP sponsor from displaying the name, brand, logo, or trademark (co-branding) of any pharmacy. Provides for submission of claims by pharmacies located in or contracting with long-term care facilities. Requires the Secretary to establish reasonable dispensing fees for covered Medicare part D drugs dispensed through participating pharmacies. Requires a PDP sponsor to encourage generic utilization by paying an increased dispensing fee for generic drugs.

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Timeline

1. 27 April 2006

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 27 April 2006

   Introduced

   Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3710)

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 27 April 2006

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 27 April 2006 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 27 April 2006

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 27 April 2006

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 27 April 2006

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Baucus, Max [D-MT-1] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Lincoln, Blanche L. [D-AR] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Conrad, Kent [D-ND] · D · Sponsor
• Charles Schumer · D · Cosponsor
• · ssfi00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2006
• related to → Pharmacist Access and Recognition in Medicare (PHARM) Act of 2006
• related to → Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006
• related to ← Pharmacists Medicare Relief Act of 2006