PUBLICLY FUNDED PHARMACY PROGRAM UNDER MEDICAID IN NEW-YORK-CITY

The New York City Medicaid Pharmacy program is the largest of its kind in the country. In 1968, 17.9 million dollars were paid to private licensed pharmacies, participating in Medicaid, for the delivery of pharmacy sen ices to Medicaid cnrollces. This sum represented 12 per cent of all funds paid for personal health care services provided by private health care practitioners in 19GS. From the inception of Medicaid in May 19G6, the pharmacy program has grown to include 2,330 private pharmacies, or 71 per cent of pharmacies available in New York City. An analysis made of a one-day sample of 22,000 prescriptions received for payment January 5, 1968, disclosed that the average Medicaid prescription cost was $3.59. The New York City Medicaid Pharmacy Watchdog System to monitor potential and alleged abuses is described. Professional pharmacy issues, such as generic drugs, formulary, and professional fees arc discussed. © Lippincott-Raven Publishers.