government
Medicaid drug pay changes expected to save $17.2 billion
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 20, 2012
Expanded Medicaid drug rebates and other drug payment provisions in the national health system reform law are expected to save the system $17.2 billion over five years, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
On Feb. 2, CMS issued a proposed rule to implement the changes mandated by the health reform law. They include increasing certain existing rebates and requiring additional rebates for drugs provided to patients enrolled in Medicaid managed care organizations. In 2009, Medicaid spent $15.8 billion on prescription drugs.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the National Assn. of Medicaid Directors are studying the proposal and intend to submit comments on the proposed rule by the April 2 deadline.
The proposed regulation is available online (link).
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/02/20/gvbf0220.htm.
