CMS won't move ahead with some proposed Medicare drug plan changes

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has decided not to move forward on several of the proposed provisions of the Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug program, according to reports.



According to a letter sent to Congress by CMS administrator Marilyn Tavenner and obtained by Kaiser Health News, during the rule’s recent comment period the agency received concerns about some elements of the proposal, including plans to lift the protected class definition on three drug classes and to set standards on Medicare Part D plans’ requirements to participate in preferred pharmacy networks.



CMS stated in the letter that, “given the complexities of these issues and stakeholder input, we do not plan to finalize these proposals at this time.”



However, the letter noted that CMS does plan to finalize proposals related to consumer protections, anti-fraud provisions that have bipartisan support and transparency after taking into account the comments received during the public comment period.