CMS Drops Proposal To Change Part D Protected Drug Classes

In a letter to Congress, CMS Administrator Tavenner says that due to strong opposition from members of Congress and stakeholders, it will not finalize several controversial proposals in its recent draft rule for Medicare Part D, including removal of special formulary protection for three drug classes.

CMS will not finalize several controversial policy changes in its recent proposed rule for Medicare prescription drug plans, including the removal of several drug classes from “protected” status on plan formularies, Administrator Marilyn Tavenner wrote in a letter to Congress March 10.

The decision comes in response to strong criticism from stakeholders and many members of Congress.

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