Comments: Modernizing Part D and Medicare Advantage to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses (CMS-4180-P)
January 25, 2019
Comments
Today, high prescription drug prices can force people with Medicare to choose whether to take the medicines they need or to ration or go without needed treatments. It is in this context that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed several changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and standalone Part D prescription drug plans with a goal of supporting negotiation for lower drug prices and reducing out of pocket costs for enrollees.
Unfortunately, while we are in alignment with CMS about the need to address rising drug prices, we strongly disagree with the agency’s proposals to weaken the “protected classes” protections and permit step therapy for Part B drug coverage. Such changes have the dangerous potential to disrupt or even end access to some medications for people with Medicare….
Any changes to the Medicare program must aim for healthier people, better care, and smarter spending—not paying more for less. As policymakers debate the future of health care, we will provide our insights here.
Thinking ahead to Medicare's future, it’s important to modernize benefits and pursue changes that improve how people with Medicare navigate their coverage on a daily basis. Here are our evolving 30 policy goals for Medicare’s future.
You can help protect and strengthen Medicare by taking action on the important issues we are following, subscribe to newsletter alerts, or follow along on social media. Any way you choose to get involved is a contribution that we appreciate greatly.
Comments: Modernizing Part D and Medicare Advantage to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses (CMS-4180-P)
Today, high prescription drug prices can force people with Medicare to choose whether to take the medicines they need or to ration or go without needed treatments. It is in this context that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed several changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and standalone Part D prescription drug plans with a goal of supporting negotiation for lower drug prices and reducing out of pocket costs for enrollees.
Unfortunately, while we are in alignment with CMS about the need to address rising drug prices, we strongly disagree with the agency’s proposals to weaken the “protected classes” protections and permit step therapy for Part B drug coverage. Such changes have the dangerous potential to disrupt or even end access to some medications for people with Medicare….
Reference
Recent Documents
Medicare Advantage 2025 Rate Announcement Sign-on Letter
Testimony: Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Telehealth Services
Comments on the 2025 Advance Notice
Comments Supporting the Complete Rescission of the 2018 Association Health Plan Final Rule
Comments on Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D for 2025
Statement for the Record on Medicare Advantage Marketing and the Enrollee Experience
Any changes to the Medicare program must aim for healthier people, better care, and smarter spending—not paying more for less. As policymakers debate the future of health care, we will provide our insights here.
Thinking ahead to Medicare's future, it’s important to modernize benefits and pursue changes that improve how people with Medicare navigate their coverage on a daily basis. Here are our evolving 30 policy goals for Medicare’s future.
You can help protect and strengthen Medicare by taking action on the important issues we are following, subscribe to newsletter alerts, or follow along on social media. Any way you choose to get involved is a contribution that we appreciate greatly.