Pharmacy to stop filling Medicaid prescriptions at some locations

The Seattle Times reports:

In yet another fight between the state and pharmacies, Bartell Drugs announced Thursday it would discontinue filling Medicaid prescriptions at 15 of its 57 stores on Feb. 1, saying it simply can't afford to do so.

The announcement comes three months after a group of Washington pharmacies and trade associations filed suit in federal court claiming they're not reimbursed enough for Medicaid prescriptions. That lawsuit — the second filed here in the past 10 months on pharmacy reimbursement rates — is pending.

Bartell, meanwhile, said the company will consider shutting down Medicaid business at other stores.

The company's decision is related to a court settlement in Massachusetts that has had a ripple effect around the country.

Great moments in socialized medicine.