In response to this statement, the Long Term Care Pharmacy Alliance
("LTCPA" ) issued the following statement:

"LTCPA and its members, along with Managed Health Care Associates , a
leading long term care pharmacy group purchasing organization, and the
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, recognize the concerns of CMS and
its intent that the Medicare Drug Benefit be a cost-effective program that
provides an appropriate drug benefit for seniors.
Were these price concessions from manufacturers not provided, the rates being
charged for drugs dispensed and the related services provided by long-term
care pharmacies would be required to be substantially higher.

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"In order to recover a portion of these costs, long-term care pharmacies
seek to obtain rebates or other price concessions as part of their contracts
with pharmaceutical manufacturers for the drugs they purchase.

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And
the severity of the budget reductions being suggested could drive some in
retail pharmacy right out of business. If these cuts continue, Medicaid
patients could lose access to the prescription medications they depend on.

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Retail pharmacy makes very little profit from dispensing medication. We share that goal and
believe that long-term care pharmacies are contributing to the achievement of
this goal for the residents of skilled nursing and other long -term care
facilities we serve.

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Long Term Care Pharmacy Industry to Discuss Rebate Disclosure

Such services carry costs well above
those of the filling of prescriptions in the retail environment .

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Further, all members of LTCPA have contracted widely
with Prescription Drug Plans across the United States in order to ensure that
the new drug benefit is available to the long term care population .
Moreover, the members of LTCPA believe that such contracts are legally valid
and in compliance with all laws and regulations, including those related to
fraud and abuse.
"Residents of long -term care facilities require specialized services to
meet their unique needs.

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These price
concessions are taken into consideration when negotiating competitive rates
with Medicare Part D Plans for the drugs dispensed to Part D beneficiaries.

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3 billion prescriptions yearly, and have annual sales of nearly $700
billion.

numark pharmacy

, The following is a statement on
President Bush's Medicaid comments by Craig Fuller , President and CEO,
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS):

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) takes strong
exception to a statement made yesterday by President George W.

Includes general pharmaceutical information, related organizations and associations, pharmacy schools and information about specific medications.

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Bush, who
stated when commenting on recommended Medicaid budget cuts, "it's not immoral
to make sure that prescription drug pharmacists don't overcharge the system.

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org.

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We
urge President Bush to visit a pharmacy and learn firsthand the potential
impact Medicaid cuts could have on community pharmacy and Medicaid patients
nationwide.

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"
We need informed debate when it comes to our Medicare and Medicaid
programs. Through clinical programs, based on best medical practice, long-term
care pharmacies work with physicians to recommend the most appropriate
pharmaceutical care for each resident.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. Chain pharmacies
operate more than 37,000 pharmacies, employ 114,000 pharmacists, fill more
than 2. NACDS international membership has grown
to include 93 members from 30 countries.

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Community pharmacists have been working diligently to face the challenges
of the budget reductions for Medicaid programs and to continue providing
medicines and service to their 40 million patients -- including the millions
of Americans benefiting from the new Medicare Part D program.

pdr reimbursement

"The members of LTCPA believe that their contracts with pharmaceutical
manufacturers bring value to Medicare beneficiaries under the Part D benefit .

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compounding rxinsider

These comments do not accurately reflect the true impact on
community pharmacy that is being felt as a result of the actions by Congress
last year and additional recommended reductions in the Administration 's budget
this year in what pharmacies are paid to purchase and dispense medication to
Medicaid patients. Such services include specialized packaging,
delivery, 24/7 availability and the monitoring of appropriate pharmaceutical
care.

meditec pharmaceutal

We would like to work with the Bush Administration as partners in
providing America's most needy with the prescription care they require.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents the
nation's leading retail chain pharmacies and suppliers, helping them better
meet the changing needs of their patients and customers.

rxinsider pharmex

Statement on the President's Medicaid Comments by Craig Fuller President and CEO National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

For more information about NACDS,
visit http://www.nacds. WASHINGTON , On November 28, 2005 the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") posted to the "Questions + Answers"
portion of its web site a statement to the effect that it has concerns about
the continued payment of certain rebates by pharmaceutical manufacturers to
long-term care pharmacies with respect to prescriptions dispensed under the
Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, and that it is examining the issue
closely.

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Other members include more than 1,000 suppliers of products and
services to the chain drug industry.
"Nonetheless, the members of LTCPA are willing to engage in discussions
directly with CMS to address their concerns, including an appropriate
mechanism for disclosure of rebates. We believe such discussions can be
constructive toward demonstrating that the services , prices and cost structure
of long-term care pharmacies are in alignment with the goals of the Medicare
Part D program."

The Long Term Care Pharmacy Alliance represents the leading providers of
comprehensive pharmacy services to residents of long term care facilities in
the United States .

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