Medicare’s plan to fix major drug shortages has big gaps, experts say

AXIOS October 19, 2023
Maya Goldman

A Medicare proposal to help alleviate major shortages of cancer drugs and other essential medicines could disadvantage facilities serving vulnerable populations and instigate new supply issues, experts and hospital groups say.

Why it matters: Over 300 drugs have been in shortage this year, nearly the highest amount in a decade, and many health care providers report having to ration drugs or medical equipment in short supply. Despite heightened attention on the issue in Washington, there are few easy fixes.

Driving the news: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is considering reimbursing hospitals for some of the cost of creating and keeping a three-month stockpile of up to 86 critical medicines.

• The initiative comes in response to a slew...

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