Public address

Mark McClellan

Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Speaking Aug. 30 at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' conference, San Diego

Former FDA commissioner Mark McClellan built a broad base

To successfully launch and manage the new Medicare prescription drug benefit for seniors - which comes into full effect in 2006 - he needs to build a working coalition that includes not only pharma companies and seniors, but also pharmacy benefit managers, physicians, retail drugstore operators (as well as their pharmacists) and generic drug companies, among others.

McClellan set out to bring pharmacy chains into the fold with a videotaped address at a major industry conference in late August. he noted that preliminary findings from the discount-card program now in effect for seniors has shown that "pharmacists matter a lot" and that "one of the most important places" seniors are getting information about drug benefits is "right there at the drugstore counter."

McClellan also noted the integral role generic drugs will play in the Medicare drug benefit, and called on pharmacists to keep consumers informed of such lessexpensive options. "I believe it is extremely important for us to make sure seniors know about the availability of generics and the savings they can get from using them," he said. "When they are approved and regulated by the FDA, they are just as safe as the more expensive brandname versions and just as effective as well."

He added that studies show Medicare beneficiaries have "been less likely than other Americans" to take advantage of lower-priced generics, and again asked for pharmacies to do their part in getting the word out.