Congressman Denny Rehberg

WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today announced he is sponsoring legislation to protect Montana’s independent pharmacies from slow claims processing and reimbursement rates that have put many small pharmacies out of business.
“Independent pharmacies provide access to critical medications for many of Montana’s rural communities,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “However, due to a backlog in claims processing, many of these pharmacies aren’t being reimbursed on time which really can be devastating for them. This legislation would require these claims be processed quickly so independent pharmacies aren’t being hurt.”

The Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Claims Act of 2007 will ensure pharmacists are paid for their services in a timely manner by requiring Medicare Prescription Drug Plans to offer an electronic direct deposit for reimbursements to participating pharmacies. It also requires claims submitted electronically be paid within 14 days and all other claims be paid within 30 days. There are more than 98 independent pharmacies in Montana.

“It’s unacceptable that it’s taking weeks to reimburse these pharmacies,” said Rehberg. “This legislation will streamline the process of getting the money back to these pharmacies so they can continue serving Montana.”