National CooperativeRx.  There is still time to register for the April 27, 2011 WisconsinRx/National Cooperative Annual Meeting in Madison, WI. Our featured topic is Promoting Medication Adherence - Challenges and Opportunities for Employers and will offer valuable advice from some of the nation's recognized leaders on this topic. Please take the time to RSVP today! For more information and to register, click here.

US News and World Report.  A physician provides practical advice about talking with your doctor about prescription drugs. (Lin, 4/6) Full story

New York Times.  Facing generic competition for its "little blue pill," Pfizer recently started selling a chewable form of Viagra in Mexico and may soon sell it elsewhere. Levitra, another erectile dysfunction drug, is now sold as a dissolvable tablet in nine European countries and may come to American pharmacies as soon as this month under the name Staxyn. (Wilson, 4/13) Full story

Washington Post.  Consumers with "skin in the game" want to compare the cost of drug regimens, but have a hard time getting price information. (Luxenberg, 4/11) Full story

CVS Caremark.  CVS Caremark released its annual Insights Report, which reviews drug trend and highlights key areas to watch in pharmacy care.  In 2010, the average drug trend for the company's pharmacy benefit management (PBM) client segments -- employers, health plans and third party administrators -- was 2.4 percent, the lowest trend in six years.(4/14) Release

MSNBC. Nationwide shortages of popular drugs used to treat ADD and ADHD are sending parents scrambling, with some combing multiple pharmacies for the Adderall and Ritalin that keep their kids calm. (Aleccia, 4/14) Full story

Pharmalot. House Democrats have introduced a bill designed to increase funding and authority for the FDA to monitor drug production. The legislation is aimed specifically at foreign-made pharmaceuticals, given ongoing concerns about the supply chain amid several episodes that questioned foreign production of meds sold in the US. (Silverman, 4/14) Full story 

LA Times. The Obama administration partners with employers, hospitals, private insurers and others in a broad new initiative to reduce infections and other preventable conditions in patients. (Levey, 4/13) Full story 

95 Percent Rebate True-Up.  In addition to quarterly rebate guarantees, National CooperativeRx has also negotiated as part of its contract an additional "95% true-up." This means if the per claim rebates do not equal at least 95% of the total rebates our PBM collects over a 12 month period, the difference up to 95% is collected and distributed to members. It keeps our PBM motivated while ensuring our members get what they deserve.  We return one hundred percent of all collected rebates to our members.  Visit our website for more information.