1. One of the goals of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is to help control rising health care costs, which now consume approximately what percentage of the United States (U.S.) Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?

2. Which of the following options is NOT one of the Triple Aims of the PPACA:

3. The PPACA was signed into law in 2010, however the first major provisions will not be implemented until 2019.

4. Although there are only 6 of 91 PPACA provisions that directly address prescription drug coverage, other major provisions may increase overall prescription drug use as a result of more people having medical and pharmacy benefit coverage.

5. Which of the following best summarizes some the opportunities and challenges for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians following implementation of the PPACA provisions:

6. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health Tracking Poll of 2013 has shown that more than 90% of Americans have a favorable opinion regarding passage of the PPACA.

7. Which of the following best describes the 6 PPACA pharmacy provisions addressed in the article that specifically address prescription drug benefits:

8. The following are 2 substantial patient health insurance access benefits that have been made available by the PPACA: citizens have access to new sources of insurance and coverage may not be denied as a result of pre-existing medical conditions.

9. Managed care principles of risk-sharing and managing the cost will be continued under the PPACA. These include member cost share for accessing benefits (except Medicaid) and risk-sharing opportunities for some provisions.

10. The PPACA adds requirements to measure quality of care and many provisions include financial incentives to improve quality. Which of the following is the best possible answer:

11. The individual mandate was considered a critical component for success of the PPACA. The Supreme Court held that the mandate would stand, however it was also ruled to be a tax.

12. The individual mandate allows a penalty tax of $695 per individual, 3 times this amount for a family, or 2.5% of household income for failure to obtain health care insurance (exemptions exist).

13. State Insurance Exchanges have been delayed for 1 year, but eventually should allow states to develop on their own benchmark plans or insurance providers from which individuals may purchase health insurance. States may also partner with the federal government to develop an exchange.

14. According to the KFF Employer Benefit Survey of 2012, employer-based health insurance premiums have increased by approximately what percentage over the past 13 years? Select the closest correct answer.

15. The formularies for managed care employer-sponsored drug programs often contain what type of drug coverage and tier structure? Please select from the following:

16. State Insurance Exchanges must include the Essential Health Benefits (EHBs), however, pharmacy benefits are NOT included in EHBs and, thus, states have the option to not provide a drug benefit in their exchanges.

17. Both Medicaid and Medicare will expand coverage and include more recipients as a result of the PPACA. Which of the following is the best response regarding a TRUE statement about Medicaid and/or Medicare:

18. Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) organize physicians and other health care providers to coordinate care for a minimum of 5000 Medicare recipients. Which of the following best describes ACOs:

19. Plans that raise their Medicare Star ratings have the potential to receive very large financial incentives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Which of the following describes the potential role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians regarding health care plans and this requirement:

20. Medicare Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs provide opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to receive payment for providing comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) to qualifying Medicare recipients. What are the criteria used to qualify members for MTM CMRs.

Evaluation Questions

21. To what extent did the program meet objective #1?

22. To what extent did the program meet objective #2?

23. To what extent did the program meet objective #3?

24. To what extent did the program meet objective #4?

25. Rate the effectiveness of how well the program related to your educational needs:

26. Rate how well the active learning strategies (questions, cases, discussions) were appropriate and effective learning tools:

27. Rate the quality of the faculty:

28. Rate the effectiveness and the overall usefulness of the material presented:

29. Rate the appropriateness of the examination for this activity:

30. Rate the effectiveness of how well the activity related to your practice needs:

31. Rate the effectiveness of how well the activity will help you improve patient care:

32. Will the information presented cause you to change your practice?

33. Are you committed to making these changes?

34. As a result of this activity, did you learn something new?

35. What is your practice setting or area of practice?

36. How many years have you been in practice?

« Return to Activity