CMS names 10 drugs slated for Medicare price negotiation
By
John Roszkowski
Aug 30, 2023
The Biden administration announced Tuesday the first 10 prescription drugs that would be selected for negotiation under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program designed to lower the costs of prescription...
Substituting brand-name with generic heart meds yields savings
Dec 09, 2021
Generic substitutions for brand-name medications could save $641 million per year, including $135 million paid by patients
Drug pricing reform deal may allow Medicare to negotiate with drug firms for first time
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 04, 2021
The Democrats’ deal also would limit insulin costs and cap annual out-of-pocket spending at $2,000 for seniors. Pharmacy benefit managers would face transparency requirements as well.
CMS must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
Probe of improper Medicare Part D payments to SNFs among slate of new federal audits
By
Danielle Brown
Jan 22, 2021
Medicare Part D payments to skilled nursing facilities will face increased scrutiny over the next year from a federal watchdog agency.
Many seniors overdue for medication review, poll shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 08, 2020
Only 29% of seniors who take five or more prescription drugs have had a comprehensive medication review to avert potential interactions, according to new national findings.
Medicare drug pricing order could have ‘significant ramifications’ on LTC pharmacies in long run:...
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 16, 2020
Long-term care pharmacies could soon be facing “significant ramifications in the long run” following an executive order signed by President Trump on Sunday. That directive states that the Medicare...
Clinical Briefs for Thursday, August 6
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2020
Proposed 9% cuts to therapy ‘potentially devastating’ … Medicare Part D favors generic drugs, say investigators … Novavax finds promising results in coronavirus vaccine trials … Bisphosphonates...
Medicare Part D reduced glaucoma medication cost-saving behaviors: study
By
Jun 08, 2015
A new study reports that since the implementation of Medicare Part D, fewer beneficiaries with glaucoma are resorting to cost-saving medication measures, such as taking smaller doses or skipping doses.
Medicare Part B could have saved $110 million, OIG asserts
By
Elizabeth Newman
Sep 18, 2014
If the Medicare Part B program had used average Medicare Part D drug dispensing and fee rates, it would have saved the government $110 million in 2011, according to a report from the Department of Health...