The Only Negotiation that Matters?

Economists looking at drug prices under Medicare agree on one thing: without control over formularies HHS won't have the power to drive discounts. One told Congress that instead of giving HHS more power, you should give plans full discretion to set formularies, even in the so-called protected classes. But don't count on that happening any time soon.

To economists looking at drug prices under Medicare Part D, the focus on giving the federal government price negotiation authority is misguided. To exert power over prices, a negotiator has to be able to move market share. And ultimately, that means they have to have the power to exclude coverage.

Since the House proposal to authorize price negotiation under Medicare Part D (HR 4) explicitly prohibits creation of a national formulary, the notion that the Secretary of Health & Human...

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 Market Access

Japan Price Cuts For Epkinly and Lunsumio Following CEA

 
• By 

Japan is cutting more drug reimbursement prices following cost effectiveness analysis and is applying the methodology to a new group of products including Wegovy and Leqembi.

GLP-1 Pricing ‘Paradigm Shift’ Possible, But Would It Meet Trump’s MFN Goals?

 
• By 

For the Trump Administration, the blockbuster GLP-1 drugs for obesity have become a poster child for the disparity between US and foreign prices.

Rocky Rollout Spells Trouble for Medicare Prescription Payment Plan

 

Enrollment in the new Medicare Prescription Payment Plan was lower than expected in the first year and well below CMS expectations, and invoicing data indicates members are slow to pay.

PBM Investigation, Enforcement Action ‘Critical Priorities’ At FTC, Chair Says

 
• By 

The new FTC chair addressed concerns that staffing cuts will undermine the commission’s commitment to pharmacy benefit manager oversight.

More from Pink Sheet

EU Emergency Response Authority Needs Bigger Budget To Address Health Threats, Says Industry

 

The EU must renew the mandate of its Health Emergency Response Authority to support medicine stockpiles and enable agile manufacturing to combat antimicrobial resistance and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, says trade organization EUCOPE.

Japan Price Cuts For Epkinly and Lunsumio Following CEA

 
• By 

Japan is cutting more drug reimbursement prices following cost effectiveness analysis and is applying the methodology to a new group of products including Wegovy and Leqembi.