Cassidy Wants 340B Reform
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, unveiled a draft for 340B reform today and challenged the public to offer comments for the possible passage of legislation later in the year. This would be the first time any statutory changes to 340B would be made in 15 years.
There are numerous reforms aimed at controlling costs, reining in inappropriate use of the program, reducing duplicative discounts, and ensuring savings are actually passed through to needy consumers. The hospital lobby and others oppose any changes. Numerous studies show that 340B hospitals tend to have higher prices than non-340B ones. Changes would include the ability of drug makers to offer upfront discounts or retrospective rebates, claims submission, and mandatory pass-through of the rebates. There would also be a set number of contract pharmacies within each geographic region that a qualifying provider could have.
Additional article: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/cassidys-new-plan-reform-340b-rebates-contract-pharmacy-limits-and-more
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#340b #drugpricing #hospitals #branddrugmakers
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-bill-cassidy-340b-bill-rebate-claims
Dems Propose MOOP In Medicare FFS
Sen. Ron Wyden and 14 Democratic co-sponsors will introduce legislation to cap consumers’ potential out-of-pocket costs in traditional Medicare fee-for-service (FFS). The proposal would set a $5,000 cap in traditional Medicare on out-of-pocket costs in 2028, including Medicare Supplement payments. Over 11% of FFS enrollees would benefit. The $5,000 cap would save on average about $1,200 a year. The bill would also expand the low-income subsidy and Medicare savings programs.
Additional article: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/democrats-propose-bill-capping-out-pocket-costs-medicare-enrollees
#medicare #costs
— Marc S. Ryan
