Possible delay for Medicare Part B drug payment model

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is set to begin implementing a new drug payment model for Medicare Part B this fall. However, it’s possible the new model may be delayed for three years based on President Barack Obama’s regulatory agenda, which says the new model will be finalized in March 2019. The controversial model aims to investigate whether alternative payment models for Medicare Part B drug coverage could help reduce costs and improve patient outcomes.

The AOA has requested that CMS revise the proposed drug payment model to ensure that it allows for both management of health care costs and patient access to medically appropriate treatments and specialty care.