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Inside This Issue - News
Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark Corp. have settled their fight over pharmacy benefits management. The outcome of the Walgreens-CVS Caremark feud over prescription reimbursement rates was predicted by industry analysts, who said both companies had too much to lose from a protracted battle. This year’s National Association of Chain Drug Stores Marketplace Conference featured a sold-out show floor, and many suppliers at the event said it remains an important way to connect with retail customers. New laws in two states and a decision to reverse Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts in a third state are being hailed by community pharmacy advocates as victories for the industry. Ontario pharmacies were in a state of suspense for three weeks after May 15 when the province’s minister of health and long-term care postponed a decision on the implementation of new regulations that would slash prescription drug income. Kerr Drug has launched a customer loyalty program that it says takes the concept into the digital age. Walgreen Co. has launched Prescription Text Alerts, which notify customers via text message when their prescriptions are ready. Rite Aid has partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to promote smart skin care practices and raise skin cancer awareness. Five pharmacy associations have called on Congress to extend the temporary increase in federal funding for medical assistance that has helped states pay their Medicaid bills. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is praising the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for issuing an interim final rule that allows for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS).
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