It looks like the state is backing big business. This is an e-mail that summarized the state DHMH position on UHC and locking out local businesses!
Yesterday there was a meeting with the deputy director of DHMH, Shannon McMahon and some representatives of independent pharmacy. The conclusion of the meeting was what I expected. The deputy director said the UHC limited network meets the geo-access parameters of DHMH and would be allowed to move forward on April 1. In defense of the DHMH it is likely not in their duties to take into consideration the economic impact of their decisions on our local communities. If it isn't in their duties, it should be.
The DHMH did make one rule change. If a patient has been in an MCO for 1 year they can change their MCO once per year regardless of whether or not it was open enrollment. The phone to change is 1- 800-977-7388 .
The bottom line is all independent pharmacy owners and individuals associated with independents in Maryland, like your employees, family members, sales staff of wholesalers, etc need to come together with help from our patients if we are to survive in Maryland. It cannot be a select few speaking up if there is going to be political change. Each independent owner needs to get as many of there patients out of UHC as possible. I have sent letters to each of my 400 patients affected. We are having great success in moving our patients from UHC. We are attaching flyers to each UHC prescription bag and having conversations in the store. Tell patients as of April 1 their insurance plan is restricting their choice in pharmacy. Tell them their are several others to choose from. Get your patients to call the Governor's office.
Each owner needs to send a letter/email to the Governor's office, the State Senator that represents them and the State Senator that represents their patients as well as the representatives in the State House. Call them as well. You need to emphasize two things, the impact to patient care outcomes, but equally important the precedent being set by a State of Maryland agency abandoning small businesses in our state. This is a State agency giving the green light to lockout small business from a government contract without consideration of the economic impact on the communities in the State. Today it is small businesses in healthcare. What group of small businesses will it be tomorrow? It has also been learned this limited network does not just affect independent pharmacy, private practice physicians and medical labs were also locked out of the new limited/closed UHC plan.
After you receive a response from the governor's office and/or their Senator/Representative they need to follow up, keep up the pressure. If you don't receive a response to your request for action from those that represent you, send another email/letter. Pick up the phone and call. We can not give up until healthcare small businesses and all small businesses in our state are given a seat at the table when our government negotiates contracts using our tax dollars. All politicians claim to support small business. This is a chance for them to put our money where their mouth is. This is particularly important to get across to our new Governor that ran on a small business platform. Also, think outside the box. Some independents on the Eastern Shore got face time on the local news. That should be happening across the state.
This does not end on April 1! It continues until we get our government to understand the importance of our businesses in our communities. Annapolis does not represent United HealthCare. Annapolis represents our patients, our communities, you and me. If you get an answer of they can't do anything, say you can't or you won't?
What are you doing right now to make a difference?
Thank you for listening.
George
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