Becker's Healthcare January 7, 2022
CMS is proposing a new rule that aims to cut prescription drug costs, increase contract vetting and improve health equity, according to a Jan. 6 news release.
The proposed changes primarily target Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. CMS also noted that the proposed changes come with “modest costs” that should not affect bidding, premiums or benefits.
Seven things to know about the proposed changes:
1. One proposal targets an emerging Part D plan negotiation practice that results in a discrepancy between a negotiated drug price reported to CMS and what is paid to pharmacies. The difference results in savings for payers. The new rule would redefine the typically-lower negotiated price as the new baseline, resulting in reduced...