Former senior advisor to President Trump warns that failure to reform drug pricing practices has seriously handicapped prospects for reimbursing cell and gene therapy under existing US payer programs.

Whether an opening gambit for negotiation or the most industry is willing to concede, proposals being offered by industry to replace the Trump Administration’s plan to pursue international reference pricing for Part B drugs seem modest.

Almost a third of Medicare drug plans are expected to offer the insulin demonstration next year, while almost none have signed up for the payment ‘modernization’ demo, under which plans would be at more risk for spending during the catastrophic phase. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also announces basic Part D premiums will average $30.50 for 2021.