CMS proposal would limit availability of Medicare D antidepressants, immunosuppressants

Physicians may soon face more limited choices of antidepressants and immunosuppressants for their Medicare patients. In a recent proposed rule regarding Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage programs, CMS proposed eliminating the “protected class” status of these drugs as of 2015.Part D plans now must include all (or “substantially all”) drugs in six protected classes on their formularies. Essentially all drugs in the six classes have been available on Part D formularies (although protected class drugs can be placed on any tier, so patient cost-sharing can be high). Plans have (Read more...)

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