Part D: “Very Successful” Does Not Mean “Perfect”
This article was originally published in RPM Report
Executive Summary
Medicare’s Jonathan Blum says Part D has been a success but says there are areas where improvements could be made. CMS will continue to emphasize access, but is paying more attention to over-utilization in some categories.
You may also be interested in...
Pharma’s Adherence Allies: Part D Hearing Underscores Industry Progress in Reframing Rebate Debate
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.
Rx Spending Continues To Lag Overall Health Growth; New Drugs Have Positive Impact in 2011 Data
Prescription drug spending modestly increased in 2011 but continues to lag historically slow rates of overall health spending growth. But it could have been worse: government actuaries cite spending on new brands as driving what growth there is.
CBO Legislative Scores Will Account For Medicare Rx’s Reductions In Other Medical Costs
In a policy change, the Congressional Budget Office, which estimates the impact of legislation on federal spending, will account for pharmaceuticals’ effect on overall medical spending in Medicare for bills that directly affect drug use.