HHS Pilots Will Explore Ways to Lower Drug Prices

HHS has proposed three pilot programs designed to make therapeutics more affordable for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

The three model programs address prescription drugs, cellular and gene therapies, and drugs developed through the Accelerated Approval pathway.

The Medicare High-Value Drug List Model would create a standardized list similar to those offered by many large retail pharmacy chains but be tailored for Part D beneficiaries and plans.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model would establish a partnership between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), manufacturers and state Medicaid agencies and would tie payment to clinical outcomes.

The Accelerating Clinical Evidence Model envisions using Medicare Part B payments for Accelerated Approval drugs as a stick to force manufacturers to complete their required postapproval studies.