No Deal: Omnibus Spending Bill Moves Without Part D Discount Relief

Biopharma lobbying to include provision to reduce the 70% discount on brands in the budget bill runs out of time, leaving industry evaluating other possible legislative vehicles.

Sand running through the bulbs of an hourglass measuring the passing time in a countdown to a deadline, on a dark background with copy space.

The US Congress is advancing an omnibus spending bill without provisions reducing the 70% manufacturer discount on branded drugs provided to Medicare Part D beneficiaries in the coverage gap beginning in 2019, despite heavy lobbying by the branded biopharma industry.

The spending bill passed the House March 22 and is expected to pass the Senate and be signed by the...

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 Pricing Debate

Pharma Cooperating With Trump On Direct Sale To Consumers, Pfizer CEO Says

 

Pfizer is in active discussions with Trump on MFN pricing and collaborating with peers on direct sales as an approach to lower drug prices, CEO Albert Bourla said.

Cuban: Drugmakers Are More Afraid of PBMs Than Trump

 
• By 

The billionaire investor said during a recent conference that brand drug manufacturers want to work with his Cost Plus Drug Co., but are afraid the PBMs will retaliate.

Most Favored Nation Pricing: Trump Ups Pressure On Voluntary Action, Clarifies Demands

 

The new 60-day deadline for striking a deal with the drug industry underscores the challenges the Administration may be having in developing non-voluntary policies to achieve MFN pricing in the US.

340B Rebate Model Gets HRSA Endorsement; Pilot Program Limited To Medicare Negotiated Drugs

 
• By 

Pilot is harbinger of greater transparency in the 340B program. But rebates may only be denied by manufacturers for overlap with Medicare negotiated prices, not for issues like diversion that have driven recent lawsuits.

More from Market Access

Faster HTA Reviews & Pricing Reform Could Help Fix Canada’s Drug Access Woes

 

Canadian politicians must “move quickly” to introduce policies that will speed up access to medicines, such as by broadening criteria for the temporary reimbursement of medicines, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says.

Most Favored Nation Pricing: Trump Ups Pressure On Voluntary Action, Clarifies Demands

 

The new 60-day deadline for striking a deal with the drug industry underscores the challenges the Administration may be having in developing non-voluntary policies to achieve MFN pricing in the US.

340B Rebate Model Gets HRSA Endorsement; Pilot Program Limited To Medicare Negotiated Drugs

 
• By 

Pilot is harbinger of greater transparency in the 340B program. But rebates may only be denied by manufacturers for overlap with Medicare negotiated prices, not for issues like diversion that have driven recent lawsuits.