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CAPD Statement on Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug Pricing Final Rule (CMS-4180-F)

CAPD

Debra Barrett, Executive Director of the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, released the following statement today on the final Medicare Advantage and Part D Drug Pricing rule (CMS-4180-F) issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

“CAPD applauds the Administration’s effort to bring more private-sector tools into Medicare Part D to help lower drug prices for patients. In particular, we are encouraged that CMS has finalized a requirement for Medicare plans to provide real-time benefits information for patients’ drug costs. This information will provide greater transparency around prices that doctors can use to prescribe a more affordable medication for the patient, which in turn can boost adherence and improve outcomes.

In the private sector, PBMs are already working with businesses, unions and government programs to implement real-time benefits tools to help save patients money. Using one PBM’s real-time benefits tool, physicians have prescribed a different, lower-cost drug about 20% of the time when an alternative was available — and consumers saved on average $80 per prescription fill.

Policies like this increase meaningful transparency and are key to making prescriptions more affordable at the pharmacy counter.  We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration on similar efforts to benefit patients and lower overall costs.”