Four things for CMS to keep in mind as they implement changes to Part D

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes significant changes to Part D’s benefit structure and coverage, which will require careful policy development and thoughtful implementation. On Monday, PhRMA...
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CMS guidance on IRA price setting process doubles down on bad policy

As part of the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued draft guidance on the process for setting the price of medicines. The...
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Medicare Part D open enrollment and what recent changes mean for beneficiaries

It’s that time of year again: Medicare open enrollment! Seniors and people with disabilities who are newly eligible for Medicare, as well as current Medicare beneficiaries, can select or update their...
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Many seniors are paying more for Part D medicines than their insurer

For seniors who rely on Medicare Part D, the out-of-pocket costs for medicines can sometimes be a barrier. Insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) continue to shift more and more costs to...
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A key fact the White House is reluctant to admit

Today, President Biden delivered remarks that touch on recent drug pricing reforms included in the Inflation Reduction Act. While the law is deeply flawed and government price-setting is the wrong...
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The Senate’s latest price setting proposal will undermine: Patient access to medicines

Members of Congress continue to push a misguided drug pricing proposal under the guise of negotiation as part of the reconciliation package. This proposal is nothing short of government price setting...
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Part D 101: Three charts show how the Medicare Part D program could be improved to work better for seniors and people with disabilities

In yesterday’s post, we learned how Medicare Part D works for seniors and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, Part D beneficiaries are increasingly facing higher out-of-pocket costs for the...
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Part D 101: Three charts show how the program provides comprehensive prescription drug coverage

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for our nation’s seniors and Americans with disabilities. These beneficiaries can opt to enroll in Part D and pick from a variety of plans offered....
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It’s a new year, but sadly Congress is still pursuing flawed price setting policies

As we kick off 2022, Congress has a number of priorities they are aiming to tackle, including the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). Unfortunately, the bill includes policies that would take the...
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Post-approval research save lives. Why is Congress trying disincentivize it?

While some in Congress continue to claim the latest drug pricing plan in Washington is “negotiation,” that is far from the truth. The reality is that the current plan gives the government a new...
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