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STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 |
M. Jodi Rell Governor |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2010
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Contact: 860-524-7313
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Governor Rell: CVS Caremark to
Continue Discount Program
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that CVS Caremark – which was considering ending its Health Savings Pass pharmacy discount program – informed her that the program will continue. The company’s decision comes after Governor Rell wrote company officials in June questioning whether canceling the discount program might be an attempt by CVS to avoid complying with a new state law that requires pharmacies to give patients using taxpayer-funded Medicaid the same savings given to the public.
In her June 19 letter, Governor Rell also asked state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to look into the proposed CVS policy change. The effect of the change would have been to eliminate a discount policy for numerous Connecticut consumers.
Governor Rell received a letter today from Elizabeth S. Wingate, Senior Vice President of CVS Caremark, who said the company had decided “after much consideration” that it will not suspend the Health Savings Pass program.
“We will work with (the state Department of Social Services) in the near future to resolve any issues related to the application of CVS discount program pricing to state Medicaid reimbursement,” Wingate said in a letter to the Governor. CVS said it recognizes “the importance of continuing to serve individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to prescription coverage.”
“This is a victory for Connecticut – a victory for consumers, who count on discount programs like the Health Savings Pass, and a victory for taxpayers, who will benefit from the savings our state will achieve under the new law,” Governor Rell said. “The goal of the new law is nothing less than simple fairness – to ensure that Medicaid customers get the same treatment other customers receive when they shop for prescriptions. I am grateful that CVS has opted to join the other pharmacies in Connecticut that are participating in this program.”
The law in question is Section 17 of Public Act 10-179, which requires Connecticut pharmacies that offer discounts and savings to the general public to provide those same discounts and savings to individuals on Medicaid. The law was part of the broader budget adjustment legislation passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor on May 7.
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