Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Pharma, Insurers Fire Opening Shots In Medicare Part D Rebate Battle
Modern Healthcare: Medicare Prescription Drug Rebate Debate Flares Ahead Of Budget Battle
Nearly 400 organizations are opposing proposals to compel drug companies to give Medicare rebates for prescriptions dispensed to low-income beneficiaries. On Tuesday, they sent a letter to House members warning that such a change could increase premium costs by 20 percent to 40 percent for seniors and even limit access to drugs. The lobbying campaign is a pre-emptive strike against budget negotiations that kick off on Monday when President Barack Obama releases his fiscal 2016 budget recommendations. The administration's budget proposals in recent years have included significant savings by implementing rebates for low-income Medicare Part D beneficiaries. Last year's budget included $117 billion in savings over a decade. (Demko, 1/28)
The Wall Street Journal's Pharmalot: Battle Over Medicare Part D Rebates Begins Ahead Of Obama Budget
Nearly 400 organizations, including a coalition whose members include the pharmaceutical industry and insurers, have written an open letter to the U.S. House of Representatives to warn against forcing drug makers to give Medicare rebates to low-income beneficiaries. Led by the Council for Affordable Health Coverage, the coalition missive arrives shortly before the Obama administration releases its annual budget, anticipating that the White House will again seek to propose mandated Medicare Part D rebates. In the fiscal year 2015 budget proposal, the administration forecast that such rebates could save $117 billion over 10 years. (Silverman, 1/28)
