Pharmacy
HHS estimated in 2018 that the 28.5% cut to drug reimbursement rates would save Medicare $1.6 billion.
The proposals, made during a global pandemic, will likely have little political support and may stifle innovation, experts say.
One tracks the effectiveness of COVID-19 drug therapies and the other pays for counseling to slow the spread of the virus.
The top 10 COVID-19 medications have seen a combined spend increase of $200 million, with big increases in March and April.
Many Pfizer/BioNTech sites are in diverse communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
The order reinstates a previously withdrawn rule mandating PBMs to give the rebate savings to consumers, rather than health plans.
The rule went into effect July 15 for fully insured customers, but does not include Medicare members due to regulatory restraints.
The full-service doctor's offices will be in 30 U.S. markets, with the intent to expand.
Providers, compounders, individual states and the FDA all have roles to play in stemming drug shortages during the pandemic.
Most Americans, regardless of gender, race, income or political identity, believe drug prices will rise.