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Pharma’s Adherence Allies: Part D Hearing Underscores Industry Progress in Reframing Rebate Debate

 
• By Michael McCaughan

Sen. Bill Nelson is the primary sponsor of legislation to impose rebates on Medicare Part D. But when he held a hearing on the program in his Aging Committee, something surprising happened: everyone wanted to talk about adherence instead.

Congressional witnesses are carefully coached on how to answer hostile questions. One trick is to start by thanking the Congressman or Senator for the question: it keeps a civil, cordial tone—and buys a bit of time to think of how to frame a response that focuses on the witness’ agenda, rather than the questioner’s.

But when Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America SVP Richard Smith thanked Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for her first question...

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• By Cathy Kelly

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PCMA, CVS, Cigna File Lawsuits Over ‘Dangerous’ Arkansas PBM Law

 
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Medicare Part D LIS Access Threatened By House Budget Bill’s Medicaid Obstacles

 
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An unintended consequence of a provision framed as an administrative change in the bill could significantly reduce medication adherence among low-income older adults and increase mortality, a study found.

Saving Part D: US Medicare Advisors Sound The Alarm

 
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More from Government Payers

PCMA, CVS, Cigna File Lawsuits Over ‘Dangerous’ Arkansas PBM Law

 
• By Tim Casey

The suits are an early test of the Arkansas law banning company ownership of PBMs and pharmacies in the state, as other states consider similar legislation.

Medicare Part D LIS Access Threatened By House Budget Bill’s Medicaid Obstacles

 
• By Cathy Kelly

An unintended consequence of a provision framed as an administrative change in the bill could significantly reduce medication adherence among low-income older adults and increase mortality, a study found.

Pharma’s Protests Fall Flat As UK Locks In High Rebate Rates

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

Despite pushback by industry, the government is standing by its new statutory scheme rebate rates for branded medicines, including one that doubles the rate that companies must repay on the sales of newer products to the National Health Service to 31.3%.