As you may be aware, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on January 12 on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA; the health care reform law). We have reported, commented, and lobbied from the inception of debate on HCR about the absolute necessity for pharmacists to be relevant players in the provision of services whenever medicines are involved in patient care. We believe today there are common-sense provisions embodied in the ACA that should be retained, despite the politics and regardless of actions or efforts to repeal the Act.

The House, now under Republican control, may very well vote to repeal ACA. However, most observers do not believe that will result in a successful repeal of the law. Repeal requires approval of both Houses and the signature of the President. The Democratic-controlled Senate would not likely vote for repeal. If it did, President Obama would likely veto the action. Overturning that veto would require a two-thirds majority in both houses, which is likely unattainable.

However, the actions of the House could have an impact on funding and other important aspects of our efforts to maintain the MTM provisions of the law and the inclusion of pharmacists in accountable care organizations.

We urge you to monitor these situations and to continue developing relationships with your Representatives and Senators. We may be calling on you soon for specific actions. Meanwhile, thanks for your continued support of APhA and the other Health Care Reform Stakeholder Coalition members.