BETTER MEDICARE ALLIANCE PRAISES CMS MOVE TO LOWER MEDICARE DRUG PRICES

StepWashington, D.C. – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz released the following statement in response to action by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that authorizes Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to use step therapy for Part B drugs as part of a patient-centered care coordination program beginning January 1, 2019:

“The Administration’s effort to enable better negotiation of Medicare drugs and encourage patient care coordination is a very positive step in the right direction to effectively address high prescription drug prices for American seniors and people with disabilities.

“While we evaluate the details, we expect this policy change to offer additional tools for Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MA-PD) plans to manage drugs to get the most clinically effective and affordable options to beneficiaries.”

“We anticipate the prospect of encouraging patients to participate in medication adherence programs that will promote better health education and improved health outcomes.

“Medicare Advantage enrollees experience high-quality care and improved health outcomes thanks to its integrated care model delivery. BMA is pleased that the Administration continues to recognize the value of additional advantages that enable care coordination between Part B and Part D drugs.”

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