The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Nov. 26 issued a proposed rule that would require Medicare Part D insurance plans to provide real-time access to drug pricing data by 2020. CMS has issued a fact sheet that summarizes the rule.
A widget called a “real-time benefit tool” would provide access to the prices and would integrate with doctors’ electronic health records or e-prescribing software and allow them to determine the price for a given drug and various alternatives for a specific patient. The hope is that the information will nudge patients and their doctors toward using appropriate drugs, including generics, saving the government and consumers money and potentially improving medication adherence.
CMS is seeking comments by Jan. 25 on the rule and the feasibility of a Jan. 1, 2020 deadline for implementation.
