November 20, 2015—Brand-name drug and biotech companies are pleased with parts of the proposed 340B program guidance that would raise the prices hospitals pay for drugs. But in their comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the two main trade groups for branded drug manufacturers say the guidance doesn't go far enough. … [Read more...]
AMA Calls for Ban on Consumer Drug Advertising
Part of new policy aimed at making prescription drugs more affordableNovember 20, 2015—The American Medical Association called for a ban on direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription drugs and medical devices at the group’s annual meeting in Atlanta. … [Read more...]
Orphan Drugs Approaching 20 Percent of Pharmaceutical Sales
Recent court decision foreclosed 340B discounts for rural, cancer hospitalsNovember 11, 2015—The biopharmaceutical industry's affinity for orphan drugs keeps growing, with orphans projected to account for 20.2 percent of all prescription drug sales worldwide by 2020 – up from 11.2 percent in 2010 and 6.1 percent in 2000, a new study shows. … [Read more...]
Key Committee Chair Rep. Joe Pitts to Retire in 2016
Lawmaker has concerns about clarity of 340B program rules, oversightNovember 10, 2015—Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pa.), the chairman of the House subcommittee with primary jurisdiction over the 340B program, is retiring from Congress when his current term ends in 2016. … [Read more...]
MedPAC Evaluates Options On Part B
May advise Congress to reduce Part B drug payments to 340B hospitalsNovember 6, 2015 -- The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission discussed options to reduce Medicare Part B drug payments to hospitals participating in the 340B program during its November public meeting, held yesterday. MedPAC previously raised this issue in its June 2015 report to Congress but made no recommendations. … [Read more...]
OIG Plans to Issue Two Studies on 340B in FY 2016
Topics are Part B reimbursement and Medicaid managed care duplicate discountsNovember 5, 2015—The Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General plans to issue a pair of reports about the 340B program this fiscal year. … [Read more...]
OIG Clarifies Policy on Hospitals Waiving Patients’ Drug Charges
No sanctions for discounts or waivers on self-administered outpatient drugs Part B doesn't coverNovember 5, 2015—Hospitals needn't worry about getting slapped with federal anti-kickback sanctions if they waive all or part of what patients owe for self-administered drugs provided during outpatient stays and that Medicare Part B doesn't cover, the Department of Health and Human Services says. … [Read more...]