If you want to see effective political action, check out the Iowa Pharmacy Association's work with Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA). The Congressman will be visiting 10 pharmacies in his district this week to check out the provision of MTM as well as to discuss access and cost issues in health care reform. IPA has worked with Lobesack's staff throughout the 111th Congress to provide information on important pharmacist services.

Also, recently the Tennessee association was effective in getting MTM services covered in their state Blue Cross plans.

I was challenged by one of our members recently to "walk the walk" by offering our own APhA staff MTM services. We took the challenge seriously and are now negotiating with our plan to be a better example for employers.

August is about over! Have you visited your Congressman or Senator? The town hall meetings could use a dose of pharmacists' insight!