Part B Drug Rebate Ideas Not Drawing CMS Attention, Despite OIG Prodding

The HHS Office of Inspector General finds Medicare Part B could have saved $3.1 billion on 60 of the costliest drugs by applying Medicaid-level rebates, which the office says “warrants further deliberation.” But noting Part B drug rebates are not actively under consideration by the administration or Congress, CMS says it will not devote resources to examining the issue.

CMS is deflecting a recommendation from the HHS Office of Inspector General that it examine ways it could implement a rebate program for drugs used in Medicare Part B.

OIG said that CMS should “examine” the potential impacts of establishing a Part B drug rebate program and “seek legislative...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from United States

Merck, AstraZeneca Downplay Impact of European Tariffs Despite Timing Uncertainties

 
• By 

Meanwhile, companies continue discussions with the Trump Administration over ways of increasing what European nations pay for drugs as an alternative to imposing a Most Favored Nation drug pricing policy in the US.

EU 15% Tariff Deal Still Leaves Questions For Pharma On Possible Grace Period, Generic Exemption

 

While the 15% rate is a substantial blow for pharmaceutical firms, the US-EU deal provides a framework for trade agreements with other countries that could see the industry avoiding higher tariffs elsewhere.

Medicare Part B ASP Proposal Sets ‘Guardrails’ Around Bona Fide Service Fee Reporting

 
• By 

Average sales prices, and Medicare spending on some drugs, would be expected to be lower, CMS says in the Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule.

A Record Year For US FDA Approvals? Commissioner Says It’s Possible

 

FDA Commissioner Martin Makary suggested 60 new molecular entities could be approved in 2025, which appears possible, but can the strained staff deliver?

More from North America

Real-Time Release Of CRLs Is US FDA’s Goal, Agency Leaders Affirm

 

The US FDA says its release of complete response letters for products subsequently approved by the agency is just a first step toward releasing rejection letters when they are issued, assuming legal issues can be resolved.

No Surprise Here: Foreign Drug Facilities Should Expect Surprise Inspections, US FDA Says

 
• By 

The FDA's recent announcement of plans to expand unannounced inspections at ex-US facilities should put firms on advance notice that their next foreign facility inspection may not be preannounced, Ivy Sweeney, acting head of the agency's drug inspections office said.

Base Benefit-Risk Decisions On Data, Not Opinion And Passion, CDER’s Tidmarsh Says

 
• By 

New US FDA drugs center director George Tidmarsh’s data-centric comments at a Reagan-Udall Foundation meeting on unapproved fluoride products could suggest patients’ and caregivers’ experiences will carry less weight in benefit-risk decisions under his leadership.