ABDA Advocates for Basic Cost Allowance in Pharmacy Remuneration

The German Federal Union of Pharmacists (ABDA) has presented new proposals aimed at reforming pharmacy remuneration, particularly advocating for an increase in the fixed fee paid to pharmacies for prescription medications.

According to the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, the fixed remuneration rate for pharmacies is set to rise from EUR8.35 to EUR9.50 per prescription. Additionally, it is suggested that, depending on the level of service in rural areas, this fee could increase to as much as EUR11. However, the ABDA argues that these adjustments do not adequately reflect the rising costs faced by pharmacies.

In recent discussions, the ABDA has highlighted the need for a more substantial increase, referencing that the consumer price index has risen by 33% since 2013. Consequently, the ABDA believes the fixed remuneration should be raised to EUR11.11 per prescription to adequately compensate for inflation and other economic pressures.

Hans-Peter Hubmann, chair of the German Pharmacists Association (DAV), emphasized that there is a consensus on the necessity for this adjustment. He pointed out that this change could be implemented quickly and efficiently through amendments to the Drug Price Regulation Act.

Over the past several years, pharmacies have incurred additional costs, especially in managing supply shortages, which are estimated to cost around EUR425 million annually. Currently, only about EUR10 million of these costs are offset by a surcharge intended to address supply shortages, which further underscores the need for a reevaluation of the fixed fee.

In addition to the fixed fee increase, the ABDA is calling for enhanced compensation for various services provided exclusively by local pharmacies, including fees for the documentation of controlled substances, delivery services, emergency services, and custom preparations. Claudia Korf, the economic director of the ABDA, noted that pharmacies are currently operating at a loss in these areas, and that fair compensation is critical, particularly as the number of pharmacies continues to decline.

The ABDA also seeks the reintroduction of discounts for pharmacies, a measure that was impacted by a ruling from the Federal Court of Justice. The coalition agreement mentions that both the CDU/CSU and SPD plan to address this issue through regulatory changes.

While the coalition agreement mentions strengthening rural pharmacies, the ABDA has expressed concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the implementation of special allowances for certain pharmacy groups. Determining criteria for eligibility could prove complex, with various factors such as pharmacy density and the number of emergency services potentially impacting funding decisions. This complexity raises concerns about the possibility of deserving pharmacies in urban areas missing out on support, while well-functioning rural pharmacies might receive unnecessary subsidies.

As the conversation around pharmacy remuneration continues, the ABDA remains committed to advocating for a system that accurately reflects the economic realities faced by pharmacies and ensures a sustainable future for pharmaceutical care in Germany.