Leading State Life Sciences Associations Express Concerns With CMS’ Rule on Medicaid Value-Based Agreements
While commending CMS actions designed to streamline manufacturer VBP agreements and ease their use for greater Patient access, the organizations asked that CMS provide additional clarity regarding the methods through which manufacturers might operationalize these provisions. The letter also expressed concerns with the NPRM’s proposals on copay “accumulators” and definitions for new formularies and line extensions since manufacturers do not control or have meaningful input into health plan benefit designs. Additionally, the associations shared concerns that these provisions could unnecessarily increase Patient costs at the pharmacy counter.
In a joint statement by the six associations’ CEOs, the letter specifies that “Despite our appreciation for CMS’ efforts to improve the capabilities of manufacturers to implement value-based arrangements, we have significant concerns with the NPRM’s changes to how copay cards are calculated for purposes of best price, and efforts to expand the definition of line extension. As proposed by CMS, both of these changes meaningfully depart from statutory intent, may significantly harm Patient access to critical copay assistance, and negatively impact future innovation.”
Comments on the NPRM are due today, Monday, July 20.
Click here
for a copy of the letter.
Media Contacts:
Biocom
Carolyn Hawley | Canale Communications
Carolyn@canalecomm.com | 619-849-5382
BioNJ
Randi Bromberg |Vice President, Marketing and Communications
California Life Sciences Association (CLSA)
Oliver Rocroi | Vice President, Communications & External Affairs
orocroi@califesciences.org
| 916-588-0965
HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ)
Allison Freeman | Director, Communications
Life Sciences Pennsylvania (LSPA)
Kurt Imhof | Vice President, Policy & Public Affairs
Michigan Biosciences Industry Association (MichBio)
Alisha Brown
| Marketing and Communications Director
