CAPD Statement on Withdrawal of the Proposed Safe Harbor Rule
Debra Barrett, Executive Director of the Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, released the following statement regarding the reported decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a proposal rule that would have eliminated rebates from government drug plans:
“Today’s announcement is good news for the millions of seniors that rely on Medicare Part D, whose premiums would have increased under this proposed rule. We are pleased the Administration responded to the concerns raised by seniors, stakeholders, and Part D plans about the impact on Medicare Part D beneficiaries. This rule would have also jeopardized employers’ ability to provide benefits to their retirees through Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWPs) in Medicare Advantage.
“To make meaningful progress on the problem of high drug prices, we need to address the problem where it starts: the high and rising prices set by pharmaceutical manufacturers. We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, and stakeholders across the system to develop solutions that will meaningfully lower drug prices for seniors and lower costs for the U.S. health system.”